International cricket headed to Billericay on Thursday (1 August) as England Under 19s took on Bangladesh Under 19s in the second game of a Tri-Series, which also includes India.
England U19 won the toss and decided to field. After posting an imposing 224 all out, their second-string bowling attack ran through the visiting side in 39 overs, bowling them out for 152.
There was hardly any resistance from England as Tamim starred with a strong bat with Mahmudul who put up a formidable partnership of 108 runs which was a game-changer as they never allowed the England bowlers to settle down and bowl in rhythm. Bangladesh’s dominating total came mainly due to two partnerships.
Mathews helmed – 108 for the second wicket with Mahmudul Joy and 78 runs with Hridoy before his knock. He only stepped on the gas when he figured it was absolutely necessary, and by then Bangladesh were well on their way to a strong total.
Mahmudul Joy struck five fours in his 41 off 68 balls, falling to the first of Finlay Bean’s two catches. Tamim, at the other end, kept up the score by contributing sixteen fours and two sixes before his knock to George Hill in the 40th over of the innings.
Nick Kimber picked up a 5-fer (wicket haul) in a space of 9 overs while giving away just 38 runs holding a strong economy rate of 4.22. While Cullen and Hill took one each wicket.
Bangladesh U19 posted a formidable total to chase which needed a good opening partnership from team England if they had any chance to challenge this target. Well set batsman Jack Haynes of England was dismissed by Hasan at 40 off just 43 deliveries holding the highest strike rate of the team of 93.03.
There was no proper set partnership between the England boys. Bean established a score of 30 runs off 45 balls from the middle order before he ended his innings.
The rest of the England team collapsed like a pack of cards. Impressive bowling performance by Sakib and Hasan who had a wonderful bowling partnership claiming 6 wickets among them and giving away just 47 runs of the 16 overs bowled with 3 maiden overs aided in England never getting on the roll to chase such a massive total.
Losing wickets at crucial intervals and no partnership in the middle order bundled their innings at 152. Bangladesh U19 won the game by a huge margin of 72 runs.
England Under 19s next match is at The Cloudfm County Ground on Saturday (2 August) with play starting at 11am – more information.
