This is the highest successful run chase in the history of the Youth Asia Cup. The previous record belonged to India, who chased down a target of 260 against Afghanistan in 2021.
Opener Zawad Abrar led the chase with a superb 96, while Rifat Beg provided strong support with a fluent 62 as Bangladesh reached 284 for 7 in 48.5 overs.
Earlier, Afghanistan posted 283 for 7 after opting to bat first, riding on a magnificent century from Faisal Shinozada.
The right-handed opener struck 103 off 94 balls, anchoring the innings after an early setback. Osman Sadat (34) and Uzairullah Niazai (44) added useful contributions, while late cameos from Azizullah Miakhil (38*) and Abdul Aziz (26*) boosted the total. For Bangladesh, Shahriar Ahmed and Iqbal Hossain Emon claimed two wickets each.
In reply, Bangladesh got off to a solid start through Zawad and Rifat, who added 151 runs for the opening wicket to put the chase firmly on track.
After Rifat’s dismissal in the 27th over, Bangladesh lost a few wickets in the middle phase, but captain Azizul Hakim’s 47 and Kalam Siddiki’s 29 kept them ahead of the required rate.
Despite late wickets, Rizan Hossan and Sheikh Parvez Jibon ensured there were no further hiccups, sealing a crucial win to give Bangladesh a winning start to their Youth Asia Cup campaign.
