Bangladesh Under-19 team will play South Africa in the final of the Tri-Nation Series at the Harare Sports Club on today (Sunday). Having topped the group stage, which also included hosts Zimbabwe, with a superb run of form, the young Tigers will be looking to secure the trophy. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM Bangladesh time.
Bangladesh finished the round-robin stage with five wins from six matches, collecting 10 points to top the table. South Africa, with four wins, secured second spot on 8 points. Zimbabwe, winless throughout, ended the campaign without a point. Sunday’s final promises a competitive clash between two well-drilled sides. Bangladesh will look to cap off a dominant campaign with silverware, while South Africa aim to avenge their earlier defeat and snatch the title.
Led by captain Azizul Hakim Tamim, the young Tigers sealed their place in the final earlier in the week, but underlined their dominance with a crushing 160-run victory over hosts Zimbabwe in Friday’s dead rubber at Harare Sports Club.
Batting first after losing the toss, Bangladesh posted a commanding 284 for 6 in their allotted 50 overs. Opener Rifat Beg led the charge with a fluent 77 off 78 balls, well supported by Farid Hasan (38), Mohammad Abdullah (37), Azizul Hakim (34), Debashish Deb (34), and Rizwan Hasan (30). Shelton Mazvitorera was the pick of the Zimbabwean bowlers, claiming 3 wickets.
In reply, Zimbabwe never threatened the target. Benny Juju top-scored with 47, while Michael Blignaut added 30 and Marshal Mashava chipped in with 16. No other batter reached double figures as the hosts were bundled out for 124 in 35 overs. Rizwan Hasan and Azizul Hakim starred with the ball, taking three wickets apiece.
