Bangladesh started their ACC U-19 Asia Cup with a strong 61-run win against the UAE in Dubai.
At the ICC Academy Ground, they defended a modest target of 228 runs by containing the home side to 167 runs in 47.4 overs, largely due to excellent performances by skipper Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby and Parvez Rahman Jibon, both claiming four-wicket hauls.
Despite UAE’s Hardik Pai’s unbeaten thirty as the top scorer, they struggled, reaching 116 for seven in 33.3 overs when he came in to bat.
Bangladesh had a steady start in batting, with Ashikur Rahman Shibli and Jishan Alam building a 74-run partnership for the opening stand. However, Bangladesh couldn’t sustain the momentum after Jishan’s dismissal at 42 off 56 balls.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Ashikur was the top scorer with 71 off 103 deliveries, including three fours and a six, while Ariful Islam’s 22 was the third-highest score.
UAE’s off-spinner Dhruv Parashar stood out, taking six wickets for 44 runs in 9.3 overs.
Bangladesh will likely focus on improving their batting as they face Japan in their second group game on Monday.
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