Tigers knock Junior Proteas out of U19 World Cup

An impressive bowling display from Rakibul Hasan helped Bangladesh under-19s seal a convincing 104-run victory over South Africa under-19s to advance to the ICC under-19 Cricket World Cup Super League semifinal in Potchefstroom on Thursday.

Hasan claimed leading figures of 5-19 as the young Tigers dismissed the junior Proteas for 157 all out after they posted a competitive 261 for five thanks to half-centuries from Tanzid Hasan (80), Shahadat Hossain (74) and Tawhid Hridoy (51).

South Africa won the toss under sunny skies at the JB Marks Oval and elected to put Bangladesh to bat.

That plan didn't work for the home side, as Parvez Emon (17) and T Hasan put on 60 runs for the opening stand, with the latter going on to reach his half-ton (80 off 84 balls, 12 fours) despite losing Emon and Mahmudul Joy (3) in quick succession.

With an in-form batter at the crease, Hridoy walked in and played the anchoring role in two 50-run partnerships with T Hasan and Hossain, respectively, on his way to a measured 73-ball 51 (two fours).

While at the other end, Hossain blasted an unbeaten 74 off 76 deliveries, including seven fours and one six to propel the subcontinent outfit to a competitive total.

In their chase, the SA U19s got off to a decent start before losing three crucial wickets within the 16th over, including Jonathan Bird, who looked good during his 35 off 39 balls, and the tournament's top runs scorer and captain, Bryce Parsons (7).

The home side failed to recover from that early setback and despite a valiant half-century from Luke Beaufort (60 off 91 balls; six fours), R Hasan continued to chip away with wickets in regular intervals as they skittled out the home side with 7.3 overs to spare.

"We approached this match today as per normal, we played a few series before this World Cup and in the dressing room we discussed that we have a good strategy and just have to apply our plans on the field," the Player of the Match, R Hasan commented.

"We played with an extra spinner and we had a good day with our spin and the plan worked during the middle period and wrist spinners bowled well along with the main bowlers and that’s why we did well in this game," he added.