Fatullah:
Skipper Mehidy Hasan’s all-round effort helped host Bangladesh eke out a close three-wicket win over Sri Lanka with three deliveries to spare, to finish third in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2016, here today.
Having bowled Sri Lanka out for 214, Bangladesh survived a mid-innings crisis that resulted in three run-outs before Jaker Ali hit the winning boundary off seamer Lahiru Kumara.
Bangladesh captain Mehidy followed his three-wicket haul with a top-score of 53 and was later adjudged the player of the match.
Nazmul Hossain made 40 and Jaker, who was forced to retire with cramps, returned to the crease and remained unbeaten on 31.
Earlier electing to bat, Sri Lanka, beaten by India in the semi-final, made a sound start as openers Kamindu Mendis (26) and Salindu Ushan (34) put on 60 for the first wicket in 12 overs.
But Bangladesh hit back to grab three wickets in the space of 10 runs before skipper Charith Asalanka and Wanidu Hasaranga revived the innings with a 55-run stand for the sixth wicket.
Hasaranga fell for 30 while Asalanka was ninth out after top-scoring with 76 with the help of six boundaries and a six.
Off-spinner Mehidy finished with three for 28, while Mohammad Saifuddin and Abdul Haleem picked up two wickets each.
While chasing Bangladesh, looking to bounce back after the semi-final loss to the West Indies, lost opener Zakir Hasan in the first over bowled by Asitha Fernando.
The home team’s run-chase was hampered by the run-outs of their two main batsmen, Mehidy and Nazmul, before all-rounder Saifuddin also fell in similar fashion.
Needing 15 off the last two overs, Bangladesh took 11 runs in Fernando’s penultimate over to ease the pressure before Jaker and Mehedi Rana carried their team past the victory target.
After the win Mehidy said the run-outs worried him, but was delighted his team won in the end.
“We could have done without those run-outs. But now I am really happy. It is a good achievement for us to finish in the top three of a world event,” said the Bangladesh captain.
“I am very proud of my team. I am sure the players have a very bright future ahead of them.”
