Bangladesh Under 19s have claimed a six wicket win in the first of five one-day matches against New Zealand Under 19s today at Bert Sutcliffe Oval.
The day started well for the New Zealand U19s with captain Rhys Mariu winning the toss on a fine but windy day in Lincoln.
However, Bangladesh U19 opening bowler Shoriful Islam had the better of the opening exchanges, dismissing Mariu in his first over with the left armer finishing with figues of 3-44 from his nine overs.
The NZ U19 batting order fought hard against a strong, disciplined bowling attack with several players getting starts but ultimately losing wickets in clumps to stunt progress on a decent surface.
Wicket-keeper batsman Ben Pomare top scored for the home side batting at number seven, his 40 runs coming off 59 balls.
Pomare along with some lower order support ensured his side had something to bowl at, NZ U19 finishing 176 all out in 48 overs.
Defending a modest total, the NZ U19s needed to strike early and their early pressure paid off with a Joey Field run out which left both Bangladesh openers at the same end.
Despite the tight start, the visiting batsmen managed to pick up the pace of the pitch and built several partnerships to haul in the modest NZ total in the 39th over for the loss of four wickets.
Bangladesh U19 captain Akbar Ali top scored for his side with a classy 65* at number six, while Jesse Tashkoff (2-37) was the pick of the NZ U19 bowlers with a tidy 10 over return.
The teams will meet again for the second one-day match on Wednesday October 2 again at Bert Sutcliffe Oval with the match starting at 11am.
