Bangladesh Under-19s kicked off their five-match Youth ODI series against Afghanistan Under-19s with a narrow 5-run victory via the DLS method at Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogra on October 28, 2025. Chasing a revised target of 227 from 46 overs, Bangladesh reached 231/4, thanks to a magnificent century from Kalam Siddiki (101 off 119 balls) and a composed 75 not out from Rizan Hossan. Afghanistan had earlier posted 265/9 in their 50 overs, with Uzairullah Niazai’s unbeaten 140 off 137 balls being the standout performance. However, Bangladesh’s Iqbal Hossain Emon produced a match-winning spell, taking 5/57 to restrict the visitors.
Sources: ESPNcricinfo, CricTracker, CREX
Match Scorecard
| Team | Score | Overs | Wickets | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan U19 | 265 | 50.0 | 9 | Lost by 5 runs (DLS) |
| Bangladesh U19 | 231 | 46.0 | 4 | Won by 5 runs (DLS) |
Target: Bangladesh needed 227 from 46 overs (DLS method)
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uzairullah Niazai | Afghanistan U19 | Batsman | 140* (137 balls, 16 fours, 1 six) |
| Kalam Siddiki | Bangladesh U19 | Batsman | 101 (119 balls, 11 fours) |
| Rizan Hossan | Bangladesh U19 | Batsman | 75* (96 balls, 2 fours, 3 sixes) |
| Iqbal Hossain Emon | Bangladesh U19 | Bowler | 5/57 (10 overs) |
Sources: ESPNcricinfo, CREX
Key Moments
- Early Afghan momentum: Khalid Ahmadzai (34 off 33) and Faisal Shinozada (33 off 46) provided solid starts before both fell to Bangladesh bowlers
- Niazai’s masterclass: Afghanistan’s No. 4 batsman Uzairullah Niazai played a brilliant lone-hand innings, scoring 140 not out from 137 deliveries with 16 boundaries
- Emon’s five-for: Bangladesh’s Iqbal Hossain Emon destroyed Afghanistan’s middle and lower order, claiming five wickets including the last wicket on the final ball of the innings
- Bangladesh’s shaky start: The hosts lost three early wickets, stumbling to 60/3 in 13.1 overs
- Siddiki-Hossan partnership: The match-turning stand saw Kalam Siddiki reach his century while Rizan Hossan provided excellent support, adding 139 runs for the fourth wicket
- DLS adjustment: Rain interruption meant Bangladesh’s target was revised from 266 to 227 from 46 overs, which they achieved with four wickets in hand
Match Analysis
Afghanistan’s innings was a tale of two halves. After losing early wickets, Uzairullah Niazai anchored the innings brilliantly, but lacked support from the other end. His 140 not out was a world-class innings, featuring smart running between wickets and calculated aggression. However, Iqbal Hossain Emon’s spell proved decisive, as he picked up five wickets to prevent Afghanistan from reaching a bigger total.
Bangladesh’s chase got off to a poor start, losing captain Azizul Hakim for a duck. But Kalam Siddiki showed great maturity, building his innings patiently before accelerating. His partnership with Rizan Hossan was crucial, as both batsmen understood the revised DLS target and paced their innings accordingly. Rizan’s unbeaten 75 included three sixes, showing his ability to shift gears when needed.
The DLS method played a significant role, reducing Bangladesh’s target after rain interruptions. The hosts managed the chase effectively, never letting the required run rate get out of control.
What’s Next
The second Youth ODI of the five-match series will be played on October 31, 2025, at the same venue in Bogra. Afghanistan will look to bounce back and level the series, while Bangladesh will aim to take a 2-0 lead. The remaining three matches are scheduled to be played in Rajshahi on November 3, 6, and 9.
This series serves as important preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.