Bangladesh ended their ICC U-19 World Cup 2026 on a winning note as they defeated Zimbabwe by 74 runs at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
Going into the Super Six Group 2 match, neither of the teams was in the running for a semifinal spot but they were keen on leaving a mark on the tournament.
After a late surge helped Bangladesh to 253-9, the Tigers dominated with the ball and skittled Zimbabwe out for 179.
After being put into field, the host team had an iron grip on the game for most part. However, they squandered the advantage in the closing phase, conceding 79 runs in the last 10 overs, including 22 runs off the last over.
Bangladesh U19 won by 74 runs| Bangladesh U19 🆚Zimbabwe U19
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) January 31, 2026
Super 6 - Match 11 | ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026
Photo Credit: ICC#BCB #Bangladesh #U19worldcup #Cricket #Tigers pic.twitter.com/nGuYa9wIK4
With Zimbabwe colts competing in their final match of the tournament, the fans thronged to the Harare Sports Club and drummed up a carnival atmosphere. And Zimbabwe gave home fans a lot to celebrate, and dance about.
They kept the shackles on Bangladesh with some tight bowling and electric fielding.
Azizul Hakim Tamim came up with a captain’s knock to anchor the innings, scoring 59 off 87 balls.
He built a 73-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Rizan Hossan. But Tamim fell to Zimbabwe pacer Tatenda Chimugoro, trying a wild slash and was caught behind.
At one stage, it looked like the Tigers would struggle to put up 200 on the board. But against the run of play, Bangladesh stepped on the accelerator in the final 10 overs. If Shahriar Ahmed’s 11-ball 15 was the catalyst, Al Fahad (23 not out) and Iqbal Hossain (8 not out) provided the final flourish.
With Zimbabwe up against the clock in terms of over rate, the visiting side raked up 22 runs in the last over.
Fahad closed out the innings with a six over square leg to take Bangladesh past 250.
For Zimbabwe, Tatenda Chimugoro, Shelton Mazvitorera and Michael Blignaut claimed two wickets each.
FIVE-WICKET HAUL
Bangladesh carried the momentum into the second half, and quickly reduced the hosts to 15-3.
Pacer Iqbal Hossian ripped through top of the order, claiming four of the first five wickets. He finished with figures of 5-24.
FIVE-FER ALERT 🚨 Iqbal Hasan Emon goes wild: 5/24 in 10 overs 💥😮🔥
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) January 31, 2026
#BCB #Bangladesh #U19worldcup #Cricket #Tigers pic.twitter.com/r5ZlzIKWb3
However, captain Simbarashe Mudzengerere stood tall amidst the ruins, ensuring his team did not cave in without a fight.
Though wickets kept falling at the other end, the youngster played a patient innings of 70 off 121 balls and almost helped his team bat out the innings after sinking to 109/8 in 32.3 overs.
Mazvitorera made a crucial contribution with the bat as well, scoring a run-a-ball 42. In a final act of defiance, Mudzengerere and Mazvitorera put on 64 runs for the ninth wicket to delay the inevitable.
Mazvitorera stayed unbeaten as Zimbabwe were dismissed for 179 in 48.4 overs.
All the action in 📸 from Bangladesh’s victory over Zimbabwe at the #U19WorldCup 👊
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) January 31, 2026
Tournament broadcast details 👉 https://t.co/gGyxHpswKS pic.twitter.com/0QXnlzP1LA
The Super Six stage will close on Sunday with a blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan, which will decide the final semifinalist of the U-19 World Cup.
Australia, England and Afghanistan have already progressed to the final four.