The spin chronicles continued as the SA U19s were knocked out of the Super League stage, writes Naeemah Benjamin.
Rakibul Hasan starred with figures of 5/19 as Bangladesh bowled the Junior Proteas out for a mere 157 to win by an imposing 104 runs to book their place in the Super League semi finals while the host nation have alot to ponder about before the plate playoffs.
After winning the toss, Bryce Parsons, elected to field first and within the first 4 overs it seemed the right decision with the opening duo of Gerald Coetzee and Achille Cloete bowling quick and fiery spells. They kept things tight and were aggressive causing the Bangladesh opening pair all sorts of trouble with a lightning quick outfield.
They went along steadily and attacked the bowled being introduced, Tiaan van Vuuren in in particular was the target. Tanzid Hasan (80) farmed the strike and changed gears to up the ante with Towhid Hridoy (51) doing the anchor job before Shahadat Hossa in (74) played brilliantly to help steer their side to a competitive 261/5.
Partnerships were crucial and Bangladesh had three fifty-run stand whereas SA had none.
Pheko Moletsane bowled brilliantly in his quota picking up 2 for 41. He was controlled and kept the run-rate down.
With Asian teams being well known for their spin this was always going to be a tricky total and with scoreboard pressure only time would tell. Khanya Cotani partnered with Jonathan Bird (35) at the top again, looked in great nick. Particularly the latter before before wickets started to tumble.
SA U19 just never got going. Wickets fell at regular intervals not allowing the batsman to settle. They were always in a rebuilding mindset with the continuous wickets tumbling.
Luke Beaufort (50) and Jack Lees tried to resurrect the Junior Proteas but the damage has been done. His lone battle came to an end and not long so did the SA innings.
A dejected Beaufort tried to get his team over the line but there was just too much to do and no one supporting him.
Rakibul Hasan has spun this team to all sort of new heights.
