The Bangladesh U-19 team clinched a dramatic victory against the U-23 side in the second match of the Game Development Trophy, held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Led by Farid Hasan Faisal, the U-19 squad defended a total of 226 runs, holding their nerve until the final over to secure a narrow four-run win.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the U-19 team was bowled out for 226 in 48.4 overs. Rabiul Hasan Anik anchored the innings from the number six position, scoring an unbeaten 65 off 82 balls, featuring five boundaries and a six. Significant contributions also came from Abdullah Al Muhi with 40 runs, Ahsan Al Muminul with 37, and Farhan Sadiq with 29. For the U-23 side, off-spinner Sheikh Parvez Jibon claimed 3 wickets for 38 runs, while Ahrar Amin Pian and Azizul Hakim Tamim picked up two wickets each.
Chasing a target of 227, the U-23 team started strongly with an opening partnership of 52 runs between Jawad Abrar, who scored 26, and Khalid Hasan, who contributed 34. Further support came from Tamim with 28 runs and captain Kalam Siddiqui Elin with 32. Despite being well-positioned at 126 for 3, the U-23 side struggled as the U-19 bowlers tightened their grip. Ahrar Amin Pian added 25 runs, and Rezan Hossain scored 44 off 75 balls, but the team faltered as they neared the target, with Rezan falling just 14 runs short of victory.
The pressure mounted in the final stages, with the U-23 team requiring 8 runs from the last two overs. The 49th over yielded only 2 runs and resulted in a wicket, leaving the final over with a requirement of 6 runs and only one wicket in hand. Rahim Ahmed sealed the match by trapping Rahin Ahmed lbw on the third ball of the final over. Rahim finished with impressive figures of 4 for 52, earning him the player of the match award, while Al Rafi and Tafiul Alam Tamim also contributed with two wickets each.
