Afghanistan Under-19 Fall 33 Runs Short Against Bangladesh in Opening ODI

Afghanistan Under-19 suffered a 33-run defeat against Bangladesh Under-19 in the opening Youth One-Day International at Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Saturday, October 17.

Bangladesh posted 250 for eight from their 50 overs before dismissing Afghanistan for 217 in 48.2 overs to secure the victory.

Afghanistan made early inroads with the ball, but Bangladesh recovered from 111 for five through a 117-run sixth-wicket partnership between Rakibul Hossain and Ahsan Al Mumin.

Rakibul remained unbeaten on 79 from 78 deliveries, hitting six fours and a six. Mumin contributed 54, while opening batter Jarif Siyam scored 50.

Imran Mohammadi led Afghanistan's bowling attack with three wickets for 57 runs. Lutfullah Mohammadi claimed two wickets for 25 runs, while Sohail Khan took one wicket.

Chasing 251, Afghanistan lost wickets at regular intervals and struggled to build the sustained partnerships required to reach the target.

Wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Khan provided resistance with 51 runs from 71 deliveries, but Afghanistan were unable to complete the chase.

Bangladesh bowler Rubay Islam Rizon delivered the decisive performance, taking five wickets for 37 runs in 8.2 overs.

Afghanistan's innings ended at 217, leaving the side 33 runs short of the target.

The defeat gives Bangladesh an early advantage in the youth ODI series, while Afghanistan will look to improve their batting performance in the remaining matches.