Young Tigers crush Namibia by 8 wickets

Young Tigers crushed Namibia by eight wickets in the final Group A fixture of ICC U19 World Cup at Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium, Cox's Bazar today.

Earlier, young Bangladeshi spinners tore apart Namibian batting lineup, restricting them to just 65 runs in 32.5 overs.

After winning the toss, Bangladesh skipper Mehedi Hasan Miraz decided to field first.

Medium pacer Mohammad Saifuddin struck in the fourth over to send back opener Loftie-Eaton. The batsman tried to guide the ball, short of length outside off, through gully but straight to Nazmul Hossain Shanto at second slip. Shanto took the catch spectacularly jumping to his right.

Mohammad Saifuddin. File Photo: Star

In the sixth over, Namibian skipper Zane Green was run out without putting anything to the scoreboard.

Later, spinners took control of the match with Saleh Ahmed Shawon, skipper Miraz, who is now the highest wicket taker at U19 level, and Ariful Islam taking two wickets each, while Saeed Sarkar bagged one wicket.

Only two Namibian batsmen – Niko Davin and Lohan Louwrens – could post double digit runs to the scoreboard.

In their chase, Bangladesh lost both openers in just 13 runs. However, a brilliant 53-run unbeaten stand between Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Joyraz Sheik took Bangladesh home in 16 overs.

Saleh Ahmed Shawon was named player of the match for his brilliant bowling.

With this win, Bangladesh became Group D champion.

Namibia confirmed their quarter-finals berth with a sensational upset, pulling off a two-wicket win over defending champion South Africa. The Proteas, who also lost their opening game against the Tigers, are now out of contention for the quarter-finals.