Afghans grind out a draw

A resolute Afghanistan Under-17 team ground out a draw against their Bangladesh counterparts at Nodia, Kolkata yesterday.

After being buried under runs and forced to follow-on on the second day of the three-day fixture on Monday, the Afghan Colts came out on the final day to survive. And they did, keeping the Bangladesh attack at bay.

Resuming the day on 5 for 1 in their second innings, Afghanistan, who were bundled out for 96 in their first essay while chasing Bangladesh's massive 500 for 7 declared, were reduced to 6 for 2 in the morning. But after that they held firm and finished on 175 for 6 after battling 99.3 overs. The Afghan captain Ijaz scored 66 off 189 balls and Abdul Qadir scored a 255-ball 54. The pair added 122 runs for the third wicket and more importantly, batted for 63 overs. Afghanistan's Naveed Ahmad faced 43 balls without scoring. The opening three-day game also ended in a draw.

Bangladesh opener Prantick Nawroz Nabil was adjudged the player-of-the-match for his fine 128.