Image: ICC
Captain Mehedi Hasan Miraz scored a brilliant 53 and an unbeaten 31 from Jaker Ali ensured that hosts Bangladesh completed a tricky run chase against Sri Lanka and sealed the third place at the ICC Under-19 World Cup.
Chasing 215 for victory, Bangladesh secured the win with a solid 88 run stand for the third wicket between local hero Nazmul Hossain Shanto and skipper Mehedi Miraz. The Sri Lankans bowled a tight length and did not let any boundaries slip between the 8th and the 25th over.
Sri Lanka came back strongly after the dismissals of Miraz, who scored his 4th consecutive fifty and Nazmul. The pressure seemed to pile on as Shafiul Hayet and Mosabbek Hossain added just 28 runs in the next 49 deliveries before getting out. It meant that Bangladesh needed 15 from the final 2 overs to win the nervy chase.
But, Jaker Ali, who had retired hurt earlier due to cramps, came back to the rescue and hit 11 runs in the penultimate over. He then hit a boundary to take his side home in the last over and complete a record 3rd place finish.
Earlier, Sri Lanka got off to a perfect start when openers Kamindu Mendis and Salindu Ushan added 60 for the first wicket. But Miraz struck on three occasions to keep Lanka reeling at 70-3 before skipper Charith Asalanka made a sedate 76 to ensure Sri Lanka post a respectable total.