Al Fahad set the platform for victory with a brilliant bowling display, dismantling Sri Lanka Under-19s almost single-handedly. Later, Zawad Abrar produced a sensational century to power Bangladesh Under-19s to a dominant win, leveling the series.
On Monday in Colombo, Bangladesh cruised to a 9-wicket win in the second Youth ODI. They bowled Sri Lanka out for 211 and chased down the target with 93 balls to spare.
Fahad was outstanding with the ball, claiming 6 wickets for 44 runs. He became the third Bangladeshi to take six wickets in a Youth ODI, and notably, the first fast bowler to achieve the feat.
Jawad, who remained unbeaten, smashed his maiden Youth ODI century, scoring a breathtaking 130 off 106 balls, featuring 14 fours and 6 sixes. Remarkably, he accumulated 92 runs through boundaries alone — setting a new record for Bangladesh in Youth ODIs, surpassing Pinak Ghosh’s previous best of 90 runs.
Alongside captain Azizul Hakim, Jawad stitched an unbeaten 180-run partnership — the highest second-wicket stand for Bangladesh in Youth ODIs, breaking the previous record of 179 runs held by Anamul Haque and Litton Das.
Azizul supported superbly with an unbeaten 69 off 89 deliveries, hitting 5 fours and 3 sixes.
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka got off to a fast start with Dulnith Sigera scoring a brisk 23 off 14 balls. However, Fahad made the first breakthrough, removing Sigera caught behind by Md Abdullah.
Bangladesh tightened their grip quickly, with Iqbal Hossain Emon and Samiun Basir striking to leave Sri Lanka reeling at 49 for 3. Dimantha Mahavithana and Chamika Heenatigala attempted to rebuild with a 53-run stand.
Later, Heenatigala and Dinura Damsith added 81 runs, pushing Sri Lanka closer to 200. But once again, Fahad returned to break the partnership, dismissing both set batsmen within three balls. Damsith made 47 off 52 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes), while Heenatigala contributed 51 off 91 balls (2 fours).
Fahad then ran through the lower order, taking three wickets in one over and finishing with sensational figures of 6 for 44.
In reply, Bangladesh’s chase started with a no-ball, but Jawad immediately made a statement by smashing a six off the next delivery. Although Kalam Siddiki fell for 5, breaking a 35-run opening stand, Jawad and Azizul steered Bangladesh home with a record-breaking partnership.
Jawad raced to his half-century off just 33 balls and reached his century off 73 balls, dominating the Lankan bowlers throughout. Azizul, though more cautious, also reached his fifty, sealing the victory with a boundary.
The six-match series now stands level at 1-1, with the third match scheduled for Thursday.
Match Summary
- Sri Lanka Under-19s: 211 all out in 48.5 overs (Chamika Heenatigala 51, Dinura Damsith 47; Al Fahad 6/44, Iqbal Hossain Emon 2/37, Samiun Basir 1/28)
- Bangladesh Under-19s: 215/1 in 34.3 overs (Zawad Abrar 130*, Azizul Hakim 69*; Kugadas Mathulan 1/45)
Result: Bangladesh Under-19s won by 9 wickets
Series Status: Six-match series tied 1-1
