Afghanistan’s Under-19 side generated a formidable test for Bangladesh, posting a towering total of 304 for nine in the second One Day International (ODI) of the youth series currently taking place in Al Amerat, Oman. Having claimed victory in the opening fixture of the series, the young Tigers now face a stern test of their batting depth and resilience as they pursue a steep target of 305 runs.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss on Monday, Afghanistan demonstrated impressive overall depth, with each of their top seven batsmen registering double-figure scores. Opener Abidullah Nadarjan chipped in with a steady 23 before Faridullah Ihsas built a solid platform with a well-worked 51. Sobhan Zakhail maintained the momentum with 27, setting the stage for Noman Salarzai to top-score with a crucial 76. Hamza Khan added a useful 29 in the middle order to keep the scoreboard ticking over smoothly.
The lower-order batsmen then accelerated the scoring rate dramatically towards the end of the innings to put the bowling side under immense pressure. Tahir Sarwari smashed an energetic 43 off just 31 deliveries, whilst Amir Hamza provided additional late fireworks with a quickfire 21 off 11 balls. Bangladesh’s bowling attack worked tirelessly to stem the flow of runs, led by Rubaid Islam Rezon, who took four wickets. His teammate JK Shorif Siam provided valuable support, picking up two scalps, though Afghanistan’s consistency across the order ultimately pushed their final total beyond the 300-run mark.
In response, Bangladesh suffered an early setback during their ambitious chase of 305. The side lost both opening batsmen after a solid century stand, leaving them briefly in a vulnerable position. Abdullah Al Muhi produced an excellent half-century before departing for 50, whilst fellow opener Zarif Saim contributed 22. When the second wicket fell with the scoreboard reading 101, Bangladesh faced a crucial juncture in their pursuit.
Al Amin Roni and Ehsan Al Munir then combined to steady the innings and launch a spirited counter-attack. The pair rebuilt the run chase with composed strokeplay, successfully keeping the required run rate within reach. By the 26.1-over mark, Bangladesh had advanced their total to 169 for two, with Al Amin unbeaten on a brilliant 63 alongside Munir on 26.
Requiring a further 136 runs from 23.5 overs with eight wickets in hand, the match remains poised on a knife-edge. While a target over 300 represents a formidable task in youth international cricket, the flourishing partnership between Al Amin and Munir has given Bangladesh every opportunity to secure a memorable victory and extend their lead in the series.