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U-19 World Cup: Bangladesh stun Proteas

Host Bangladesh gave the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2016 a momentous start with a 43-run victory over defending champion South Africa in the opening Group A match, here on Wednesday.

Electing to bat on a slow pitch at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium here, Bangladesh lost wickets just when the batsmen appeared to have settled down and was restricted to 240 for seven in their 50 overs.

Nazmul Hossain hit 73 off 82 balls to boost the total after useful contributions from Pinak Ghosh (43) and Joyraz Sheik (46). The target proved too tough for South Africa, which was bowled out for 197 in the penultimate over despite a defiant 100 from opener Liam Smith. Smith batted till the 45th over before being the seventh batsman out, caught superbly in the covers by Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan. Mehidy, leading his nation in the second successive ICC U19 Cricket World Cup, picked up three for 37 with his off-spin. Seamer Mohammad Saifuddin took three for 30.

It was Bangladesh’s first win over South Africa in the ICC U19 World Cup following four previous defeats, but Wednesday’s victory was its 12th in 15 matches against the same opponents over the past two years. With Scotland and Namibia the other sides in the group, Bangaldesh’s victory makes it the favourite to secure top place from Group A and avoid a possible quarter-final clash against Rahul Dravid-coached India.

Bangladesh will take on Scotland while South Africa will face Namibia in their next matches in Cox’s Bazar on Sunday. Meanwhile, in a Group C fixture at the MA Aziz Stadium here, Dan Lawrence and Jack Burnham hit centuries as title contender England crushed Fiji by 299 runs. England piled up 371 for three in its 50 overs against Fiji, with Essex’s Lawrence smashing 174 off 150 balls with 25 boundaries and a six, and Burnham of Durham making 148 off 137 balls with 19 fours and four sixes.

The pair put on 303 for the second wicket after opener Max Holden had been dismissed in the third over. 
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