Chasing a daunting 302-run target, Bangladesh Emerging pulled off a sensational victory against South Africa Emerging by scoring 27 runs in the final 10 balls to clinch a 1–0 lead in the ODI series.
In what seemed like a near-impossible task with 27 runs needed off the last two overs, Rakibul Hasan turned the match on its head. The left-hander smashed three sixes in the 19th over, collecting 20 runs and narrowing the equation to 7 needed from 6 balls. Bangladesh sealed the win with two deliveries to spare at Rajshahi’s Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium.
Earlier, South Africa Emerging posted a challenging 301 for 8 after being sent in to bat. Bangladesh responded with a well-paced chase, reaching the target in 48.4 overs for the loss of 7 wickets.
The innings began with a solid opening stand as Mahfijul Islam Robin and Zishan Alam added 52 runs. Zishan fell for 31 off 27, followed by modest contributions from Pritom Kumar and Ariful Islam. The middle order faltered, with both Ahrar Amin and Mahfuzur Rahman Rabbani failing to reach double digits.
Despite the middle-order collapse, opener Robin anchored the innings with a composed 87 off 89 before falling short of a century. Captain Akbar Ali then took charge, injecting momentum with a blistering 41 off 24 balls. Though he couldn’t finish the game, his cameo laid the foundation.
Rakibul Hasan picked up where Akbar left off, smashing an unbeaten 24 off just 10 deliveries, including three sixes. He was ably supported by Tofayel Ahmed, who also remained not out on 24 from 20 balls, ensuring the thrilling win.
For South Africa, a mid-innings collapse saw them slip to 79 for 4, largely due to Ahrar Amin’s double strike. However, a vital recovery partnership between Connor and Endrile stabilized the innings before Tian Michael and Nkobone’s late flurry pushed the total past 300. Michael chipped in with a brisk 26 off 15.
Among Bangladesh’s bowlers, Ripon Mondol was expensive but effective, finishing with 3 wickets for 84 runs, while Ahrar Amin picked up 2 for 45.
The win gives Akbar Ali’s side a crucial lead in the series and a morale boost ahead of the next game.
LND/BG
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