Bangladesh A clinched the three-match unofficial
ODI series against South Africa A with a convincing five-wicket victory in
the third and final match at Senwes Parkin Potchefstroom today.
The first two matches were washed out due to inclement weather, making the
third game a series decider.
Bangladesh A’s victory was built on an impressive bowling performance from
leg-spinner Rishad Hossain and off-spinner Aliss Al Islam. After winning the
toss and opting to field, Bangladesh bowled South Africa A out for 182 in 40
overs.
Rishad led the attack with four wickets, while Aliss claimed three. Mohammad
Saifuddin, Saif Hasan and Mushfik Hasan took one wicket each.
Zubair Hamza top-scored for the hosts with 31 off 35 balls before being
dismissed by Aliss, while Marques Ackerman fell to Rishad. Imran Manack
offered some resistance with 43 off 53 balls, but South Africa A struggled to
build meaningful partnerships.
Chasing 183, Bangladesh A made a flying start as openers Saif Hasan and Naim
Sheikh added 92 runs for the first wicket.
Saif struck a brisk 61 off 53 balls before departing, while Naim continued to
anchor the innings. He completed his half-century before being dismissed for
60 off 77 balls with Bangladesh on 170.
Parvez Hossain Emon contributed 17 off 16 balls and Nurul Hasan Sohan made 16
off 22. Bangladesh lost a few wickets towards the end but reached the target
without serious trouble.
Mohammad Saifuddin remained unbeaten on three, while Afif Hossain and Rishad
Hossain scored six and five respectively as Bangladesh A completed the chase
with five wickets in hand.
Kyle Simmonds was South Africa A’s most successful bowler, taking three
wickets, but his effort was not enough to prevent Bangladesh from securing
the series victory.
Earlier, South Africa A won the two-match four-day series 1-0. The second
match ended in a draw after Bangladesh’s Towhid Hridoy struck a record 350,
the highest individual score by a Bangladeshi cricketer in first-class
cricket.