Bowlers, Haque take Bangladesh to thrilling win

The tables dramatically turned in Chittagong on the fourth and final day, as Bangladesh Under-19 beat England Under-19 by two wickets in a thrilling contest. England began the day with a lead of 87 and eight wickets intact, with the possibility of forcing victory by setting a testing target.

But a collective bowling display from Bangladesh wrecked their chances. Alauddin Babu, Shaker Ahmed, Mahmudul Hasan and Sabbir Rahman each grabbed two wickets to run through the England line-up. From 38 for 2 at the start of the day, England collapsed to 107 all out. Wicketkeeper Michael Bates top scored with 27, and received some support from the tail, to extend the target to 157, which, in the end, proved just about inadequate.

Bangladesh, in their chase, began on a positive note with openers Amit Majumdar (20) and Saikat Ali (29) putting together a half-century partnership. However, they then stumbled to lose their next three wickets for just seven runs. Danny Briggs, like in the first innings, was again their nemesis, finishing with 5 for 50, but the efforts of wicketkeeper Anamul Haque took Bangladesh past the finishing line. At 128 for 7, it was anybody's game, but Haque, who made a calm, unbeaten 58, forged important stands with the lower order, including an unfinished 15 with Abul Hasan to see his team home by two wickets.