Bangladesh U16 takes unassailable lead in three-match series against Pakistan

KARACHI: Bangladesh U16 recorded a 17-run win in the second 50-over match against Pakistan U16 at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna, Bangladesh on Monday to take a decisive 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Chasing a target of 260 runs, Pakistan U16 fell away after an impressive start, ending their 50 overs at 242 for nine.

Pakistan had reached 197 for four in the 43rd over when Kashif Ali (28) fell. After his dismissal Pakistan lost four wickets in quick succession. The lower-order could not sustain the required run-rate as the visitors fell away towards the end of the innings.

Opener Sameer Saqib (55 off 87 balls, three fours) added 54 runs for the opening wicket with Haseebullah (25) and 71 for the second wicket with Mohammad Waqas (38 off 49 balls, four fours). Sameer fell in the 30th over.

Pakistan lost Waqas soon after, however, the innings was revived by a 58-run fifth wicket partnership between captain Umer Eman who scored 34 off as many balls with the help of five fours and Kashif Ali scored 28 off 35 balls with four fours.

Pakistan though failed to sustain the momentum as Bangladesh bowlers led by Mahfuzur Rahman Rabbi three for 50 and Ashiqur Rahman two for 39 made rapid inroads into the middle and lower-order.

Earlier, opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh posted 259 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 50 overs.

Opener Mofizul Islam Robin top-scored for the hosts with 69 off 102 balls, his innings included three fours and two sixes. Aich Mollah scored 52 off 56 balls with the help of three sixes and two fours, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabbi remained unbeaten on 44 off 34 balls. Aseer Mughal and Aaliyan Mehmood took two wickets each conceding 40 and 53 runs respectively.