Young Tigers thrash New Zealand

Akbar Ali (M) during the toss. Photo taken from New Zealand cricket board`s website
Akbar Ali (M) during the toss. Photo taken from New Zealand cricket board`s website

Skipper Akbar Ali led the side from the front with a brilliant 61 ball-65 not as Bangladesh Under-19 team got off to the New Zealand tour with a bang, securing a six-wicket win over their counterpart at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln University in Christchurch on Sunday.

With this victory, the visitors took 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Opting to bat first, New Zealand Under-19 team was bowled out for 176 in 48 overs with Ben Pomare making the highest 40. Ollie White was the other notable scorer with 30.

Bangladesh youths made the target a cake-walk, reaching 180 for 4 in 38.4 overs with Akbar Ali to the fore.

Akbar struck 11 fours in his 61 ball- 65 runs knock but Bangladesh made a shaky start losing the opener Parvez Hossain Emon for 2, with the scoreboard reading 11.

Tanzid Hasan and Mahmudul Hasan Joy recovered the shaky start but both of them failed prolong their innings as they were removed on identical 28 runs.

Towhid Ridoy chipped-in-with 26 before Akbar took the onus to sail the side home. Along with him, Shahadat Hossain was not out on 24.

Bangladeshi bowlers fared well to limit the opponents to a paltry total. Shoriful Islam and Mrittunjoy Chowdhury led the charge with three wickets apiece. Shamim Hossain took two wickets to complement their effort.

The second match of the series in on 2 October at the same ground.