|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh U-19 team thrashed USA by a massive 121 runs in the group stage match of the U-19 World Cup at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein.

Bangladesh wrapped up USA within 170 runs in 47.1 overs in their pursuit of 292 runs. After Ariful Islam's century Mahfuzur Rahman claimed a four-fer.

Chasing the target, USA made a promising start with opener Prannav Chettipalayam scoring highest 57 runs. Utkarsh Srivastava also contributed with 37 runs but it was not enough as Tiger bowlers took the game in control.

Following the wicket of Utkarsh, USA could never return to the game and lost wickets in quick succession and eventually mustered to score 170 losing all wickets.

Batting first, Ariful Islam smashed a valiant ton to power Bangladesh U-19 post 291-7 in the allotted 50 overs.

Despite losing the opener Adil Bin Siddik (13) early, Bangladesh made a positive approach after being sent to bat first. Batters Ashikur Rahman Shibli and Md Rizwan were steady and played brief innings of 27 and 35 respectively.

Bangladesh were 94-3 when Ariful came to crease, the right-handed batter put together a 112-run partnership with Ahrar Amin to help Bangladesh cross 200-run mark.

Ariful took 103 deliveries to play the highest-scoring knock of 103 striking nine boundaries, Ahrar fell short of six runs to complete a half-century. He departed on 44 facing 49 balls aided by two 4’s and a solitary six.

Shihab James played a cameo innings of 17-ball 31 hitting two four’s and an equal number of sixes that took the side set a massive total.

Arya Garg took three wickets and Aarin Nadkarni claimed two wickets for the USA.