Published: 08:56 AM, 15 December 2025
We play only to make the Bangladesh team win: Tamim
Bangladesh pulled off a tense and well-earned three-wicket victory against Afghanistan U19 in a high-scoring encounter of the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2025 (50 Overs) at the ICC Academy Ground, Dubai on Saturday. -ACC
Bangladesh Under-19 captain Azizul Hakim Tamim lauded his team's winning start as they pulled off a tense and well-earned three-wicket victory against Afghanistan U19 in a high-scoring encounter of the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2025 (50 Overs) at the ICC Academy Ground, Dubai on Saturday.
"First of all, we are starting a bit well today, which is helping us a lot. But you see, chasing a big total of 284, I believe our batting is very strong, and that is being reflected. The way Zawad and Rifat are playing today is really good. On the bowling side, I feel that I and the others still need to improve a bit. Because if you see the upcoming matches, to win against the big teams, they will not give anything easily. So we need to pay attention to these aspects. Insha'Allah, Alhamdulillah, we are doing well," Tamim said.
"First of all, we are starting a bit well today, which is helping us a lot. But you see, chasing a big total of 284, I believe our batting is very strong, and that is being reflected. The way Zawad and Rifat are playing today is really good. On the bowling side, I feel that I and the others still need to improve a bit. Because if you see the upcoming matches, to win against the big teams, they will not give anything easily. So we need to pay attention to these aspects. Insha'Allah, Alhamdulillah, we are doing well," Tamim said.
Batting first, Afghanistan U19 posted a competitive 283/7 in their allotted 50 overs, built around a superb century from Faisal Khan.
After an early wicket, Faisal anchored the innings with a fluent 103 off 94 balls, striking eight fours and four sixes. He found valuable support from Osman Sadat (34) and Uzairullah Niazai (44), who helped Afghanistan consolidate through the middle overs. Late contributions from Azizullah Mia Khil (38 off 36)* and Abdul Aziz Khan (26 off 16)* provided the finishing touches, pushing the total close to the 290 mark.
Bangladesh's bowling effort was steady rather than spectacular. Iqbal Hossain Emmon and Shahriar Ahmed picked up two wickets apiece, while the rest of the attack focused on containing runs and breaking partnerships at key moments.
"We play only to make the Bangladesh team win. Maybe we missed a 100 or a 50, but we don't think about that; our thinking is to win the match. So we don't focus on individual scores, we just think about how the team can win," Tamim added.
In reply, Bangladesh U19 paced their chase intelligently, reaching the target with seven balls to spare. Openers Zawad Abrar and Md Rifat Beg laid a strong foundation with a commanding 151-run opening partnership, putting Bangladesh firmly in control. Zawad played the anchor role with a composed 96 off 112 balls, narrowly missing out on a century, while Rifat complemented him with a confident 62 off 68 deliveries.
Afghanistan fought back with a cluster of wickets in the middle overs, but Bangladesh maintained composure. Captain Md Azizul Hakim Tamim contributed a crucial 47 off 48 balls, while Kalam Siddiki Aleen (29) ensured the chase stayed on track. Despite a brief wobble late in the innings, MD Rizan Hossan (17 off 13)* held his nerve to guide Bangladesh home.
Afghanistan's bowling was led by Rohulllah Arab and Khatir Khan Stanikzai, who claimed two wickets each, but the strong start proved decisive.
The victory underlined Bangladesh U19's batting depth and composure under pressure, as they successfully chased down a challenging target in a closely fought contest.
