Emon, Azizul shine as U-19s finish World Cup campaign with win

Pacer Iqbal Hossain Emon starred with a five-wicket haul while captain Azizul Hakim Tamim struck a composed half-century as Bangladesh ended their ICC Under-19 World Cup campaign on a winning note, beating hosts Zimbabwe by 74 runs in their final Super Six match in Harare on Saturday.

Already out of semifinal contention following defeat to England in their opening Super Six fixture, Bangladesh entered the contest aiming to salvage pride before returning home -- and they delivered a spirited all-round performance.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Bangladesh posted a competitive 253 for nine in their allotted 50 overs. Skipper Azizul led from the front with a patient 59 off 89 deliveries, anchoring the innings after early setbacks. Rizan Hossan provided solid support with a steady 47 from 68 balls, helping build a crucial middle-order partnership.

The late momentum came from Al Fahad, whose unbeaten 23 off just 13 balls gave Bangladesh the final push. His quickfire cameo ensured the total crossed the 250 mark -- Bangladesh’s first 250-plus score of the tournament.

For Zimbabwe, Tatenda Chimugoro, Shelton Mazvitorera and Michael Blignaut picked up two wickets apiece but struggled to contain Bangladesh in the death overs.

In reply, Bangladesh’s pace duo of Emon and Fahad dismantled Zimbabwe’s top and middle order with disciplined spells. Regular breakthroughs left the hosts reeling at 109 for eight in the 33rd over, effectively sealing the contest.

Zimbabwe captain Simbarashe Mudzengerere fought hard with a gritty 70 off 121 balls, while Mazvitorera added an unbeaten 42. The pair stitched together a 65-run stand for the ninth wicket, reducing the margin of defeat but never threatening Bangladesh’s control.

Emon was the standout bowler, finishing with impressive figures of five for 24 from his 10 overs, while Fahad provided strong support with three for 39.

With the victory, Bangladesh finished fourth in Super Six Group 2 with three points, while Zimbabwe ended their campaign at the bottom without a point. England have already secured a semifinal berth from the group, and the outcome of the India-Pakistan clash in Bulawayo on Sunday will determine the second qualifier.