Saifuddin’s five-wicket haul helps Bangladesh U-19 win series against SA colts

Medium-pacer Mohammad Saifuddin has grabbed five wickets to lead Bangladesh Under-19 to a narrow eight-run win to seal the series against South Africa Under-19 in the fifth Youth ODI in Chittagong.

The young Tigers have taken an unassailable 4-1 lead in the seven-match series after the win at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Saturday.

After electing to bat first, half-centuries from Pinak Ghosh (76) and Mehedy Hasan (63) took Bangladesh to a competitive 257 for 9.

Although South Africa lost their opener Ryan Rickelton in the first ball of their chase, the visitors were on track with a 108-run stand for the second wicket between Rivaldo Moonsamy (63) and Wiaan Mulder (50).

After captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto and spinner Saleh Hossain sent the two back to the dressing room, Tony de Zorzi (41) and Dayyan Galiem (60) added 66 more to the score.

Shanto brought in Saifuddin in the 40th over. At that stage, South Africa looked comfortable in their chase on 193 for 3 but the medium pacer struck in his first over sending de Zorzi back.

He sent back Dean Foxcroft (3) in his next over and then dealt a huge blow in the 48th over when he banged up three wickets within four deliveries as the tourists slumped to 231 for 8.

Saifuddin was adjudged Man of the Match for his match-winning spell of 5 for 27 in six overs.

South Africa ended on 249 for 9 in 50 overs.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s innings was off to a good start as openers Saif Hassan and Pinak put up 49 runs.

Bangladesh top-scorer Pinak’s 116-ball innings was laced with four boundaries and two sixes while Mehedy scored 63 off 73 balls with six fours.
 

The sixth match will be held at the same venue on Tuesday, Apr 21.