Abrar’s 96 powers Bangladesh past Afghanistan in U-19 Asia Cup opener

Sports Desk Published: 13 December 2025, 07:34 PM

Abrar’s 96 powers Bangladesh past Afghanistan in U-19 Asia Cup opener

Jawad Abrar comes agonisingly close to a century, falling for 96 while attempting a big shot when just four runs short of the landmark. – ACC Photo

Bangladesh began their U-19 Asia Cup campaign on a winning note, edging past Afghanistan by three wickets with seven balls to spare in a tense Group-stage match in Dubai on Saturday.

Chasing a challenging target of 284, Bangladesh were powered by a blistering opening stand between Rifat Baig and Jawad Abrar, who laid a solid platform with a 151-run partnership inside 27 overs.

Rifat was the first to depart after scoring 62, but by then the foundation for victory had been firmly set.

Abrar came agonisingly close to a century, falling for 96 while attempting a big shot when just four runs short of the landmark. His 112-ball knock featured nine fours and six sixes and kept Bangladesh in control for much of the chase.

After the openers’ departure, Kalam Siddiqui and captain Azizul Hakim Tamim steadied the innings, adding 66 runs off 71 balls for the third wicket.

Kalam scored 29 before being caught on the boundary while going for a six, while Tamim narrowly missed his half-century, dismissed for 47 off 48 balls.

Bangladesh briefly came under pressure when Mohammad Abdullah (2) and Samiun Bashir (1) were run out in the same over, raising Afghan hopes late in the contest. However, Sheikh Parvez Jiban and Rizan Hossain kept their composure and guided the side towards victory.

Jiban played a quick cameo of 13 off seven balls, including a four and a six, before being dismissed just one run short of the target. Rizan Hossain remained unbeaten on 17 off 13 balls to seal the win.

Earlier, Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 283 for seven after winning the toss and opting to bat at the ICC Academy Ground. Faisal Shinozada anchored the innings with a superb 103 off 94 balls, striking eight fours and four sixes.

Uzairullah Niazai contributed 44, while Azizullah Miakhil scored 38 and Osman Sadat added 34. Abdul Aziz provided late momentum with an unbeaten 26 off 16 balls.

For Bangladesh, Iqbal Hossain Emon and Shahriar Ahmed claimed two wickets apiece, while Saad Islam, Saimun Bashir and Rizan Hossain took one each.

The victory gives Bangladesh an early boost as they look to build momentum in the U-19 Asia Cup.