Bangladesh defeated Nepal by a comprehensive margin of five wickets to start their Super Sixes phase of the ICC U-19 World Cup in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.
The young guns of Bangladesh were impressive with both the bat and the ball as they restricted Nepal to a poultry total of 169, later chasing the score down within 25.2 overs by losing five wickets, thanks to Ariful Islam and Jishan Alam’s 59 and 55-run knocks, respectively. Subash Bhandari took all the five wickets for Nepal.
With this win, Bangladesh, who carried two points in based on their victory against Ireland in the group stage now, must win the remaining Super Sixes game against Pakistan on Saturday in Benoni, to keep their semi-finals dream alive.
Earlier. Bangladesh restricted Nepal to 169 runs by bowling precise lines and lengths. Following three early wickets in rapid succession, Dev Khanal and Bishal Bikram attempted to build a partnership. Kanal lost his wicket following a 62-run stand, and Nepal was never able to recover.
With 48 runs, Bishal Bikram was the highest scorer. Sheikh Paevez Jibon and Rohanat Doullah Borson were Bangladesh's two best bowlers. Medium pacer Borson scalped four wickets for 19 runs in 8.5 overs while off-spinner Jibon grabbed three wickets for 34 runs in 10 overs.
The win took Bangladesh to four points overall. They trail India and Pakistan by two points, with India leading the table on six points. Bangladesh (NRR +0.348) will need to beat Pakistan (NRR +1.064) in their last Super Sixes game on Sunday and get the net run-rate above them to have any chance of finishing among the top two teams from the group to book a semifinals berth.