Bangladesh U-19s ease past USA to book World Cup Super Six spot

Bangladesh cruised to a seven-wicket victory over the USA in Harare on Friday to secure a place in the Super Six stage of the ICC U-19 World Cup.

The win was set up by a disciplined bowling effort, with the Bangladesh pacers doing most of the damage. Iqbal Hossain Emon led the charge with figures of three for 41, while fellow quicks Al Fahad and Rizan Hossan claimed two wickets apiece as the USA were bundled out for 199 in 50 overs.

For the USA, Adnit Jhamb top-scored with a brisk 68 off 69 balls, while openers Sahil Garg (35 off 60) and Utkarsh Srivastava (39 off 65) got starts but failed to capitalise.

In reply, Bangladesh got off to a solid start as opener Zawad Abrar raced to 47 off 42 balls. His opening partner Rifat played a watchful 30 off 55 deliveries, and the pair added 78 runs before Zawad was dismissed in the 15th over by Garg. Srivastava then removed Rifat in the 18th over, bringing captain Azizul Hakim Tamim to the crease.

Tamim steadied the chase with Kalam Siddiki, adding 88 runs for the third wicket. The skipper reached his half-century before falling to Ridvik Appidi with Bangladesh 24 runs shy of victory. Kalam remained unbeaten on a composed 30 off 55 balls, while Rizan chipped in with an unbeaten 20 as Bangladesh reached the target with 51 balls to spare.

The defeat eliminated the USA. India, Bangladesh and New Zealand have qualified from Group B, though second place remains up for grabs. New Zealand would need to lose to India in their final group match today for Bangladesh to finish second.

Three teams from each group advance to the Super Six, carrying forward points, wins and net run-rate earned against fellow qualifiers. Bangladesh currently carry one point forward.

If Bangladesh finish third, they will face Group C’s top two sides. England topped Group C, with Pakistan runners-up. A third-place finish would pit Bangladesh against England and Pakistan, while finishing second would see them face England and hosts Zimbabwe, who finished third in Group C.