Defending champions Bangladesh start U-19 Asia Cup campaign with commanding win over Afghanistan

The U-19 Asia Cup began in Dubai with Bangladesh securing an emphatic 45-run victory over Afghanistan in the tournament's opening match.

Led by a commanding century from captain Azizul Hakim Tamim, the Junior Tigers set the tone for their campaign with a well-rounded performance.

On 29 November, Bangladesh opted to bat first after losing the toss and posted a challenging total of 228 runs in their allotted 50 overs.

In response, Afghanistan's chase faltered, as they were bowled out for 183 runs.

Tamim and Siddique anchor Bangladesh innings

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh's start to the innings was shaky, with opener Jawad Abrar dismissed for a duck in the very first over. However, captain Tamim and fellow opener Kalam Siddique steadied the ship with a crucial 142-run partnership.

Siddique's patient knock of 66 runs off 110 balls came to an end when he was dismissed at 145. Tamim, meanwhile, held firm and reached his century in 132 balls, a feat laced with eight boundaries and four sixes. His dismissal came immediately after reaching the milestone, caught out for 103.

The middle and lower order struggled to capitalise on the foundation laid by the captain and Siddique. Farid (10), Maruf Mridha (0), and Shihab James (10) departed cheaply, leaving Rafi's unbeaten 11 to guide Bangladesh to their final total of 228.

Afghanistan's bowling attack was led by Abdul Aziz, Nooristani Omarzai, and Khateer Stanikzai, who each claimed two wickets. Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar added one to the tally.

A steady start turns into a collapse for Afghanistan

Chasing 229, Afghan openers Mahbub Khan and Uzair Khan began cautiously. However, Uzair was dismissed early for 8 runs, and Mahbub followed soon after, contributing 16. Faisal Khan and Nasir Khan tried to stabilise the innings with a valuable partnership, but the pressure from Bangladesh's bowlers proved decisive.

Faisal reached a solid half-century, scoring 58, while Nasir added 34 off 60 balls. Their dismissals triggered a batting collapse, as the rest of the Afghan lineup struggled to build partnerships. Notable contributions included Najifullah Amiri's 17 and Barakatullah Ibrahimzai's 19, but it wasn't enough to mount a serious challenge.

The innings ended in the 48th over when Allah Ghazanfar was run out, leaving Afghanistan at 183. Al Fahad and Iqbal Hossain spearheaded Bangladesh's bowling attack, claiming three wickets each. Maruf Mridha chipped in with two, while Rafi took one.

Bangladesh's comprehensive win over Afghanistan is a promising start to their U-19 Asia Cup campaign.

With Tamim leading from the front and the bowlers delivering under pressure, the Junior Tigers have set the stage for a strong run to retain the tournament.