Under-19 World Cup 2026: Clinical Bangladesh finish on high with consolation win over Zimbabwe

Bangladesh ended their ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup campaign on a high with a 74-run win over hosts Zimbabwe in Harare. Bangladesh had nothing to lose going into their final contest, as the loss to England in their first Super Six clash had sealed their exit from the tournament.

Batting first. Bangladesh lost Rifat Beg (15) early before skipper Azizul Hakim Tamim led from the front, guiding Bangladesh to 253 for nine, while Iqbal Hossain starred with the ball, finishing with a match-winning 5 for 24.

Azizul was involved in two crucial partnerships – 46 with Zawad Abrar (25 off 48) and 73 with Rizan Hossan (47 off 68) – that laid the foundation of Bangladesh’s eventual tally. Azizul looked set for a bigger knock but nicked Tatenda Chimugoro behind to walk back with 59 off 87, including six fours.

Al Fahad’s 23-ball 13-run cameo at No. 10 and his four-ball 20-run partnership for the last wicket with Iqbal Hossain pushed Bangladesh past 250, with the duo tearing into Webster Madhini.

Iqbal then wrecked Zimbabwe with the ball, reducing them to 15 for 3 in the blink of an eye before converting it into a fifer. Zimbabwe skipper Simbarashe Mudzengerere fought courageously in his 70 off 121, but wickets continued to tumble around him. Having reduced their opponents to 109 for 8 at one stage, it seemed Bangladesh would wrap up the innings soon.

However, Shelton Mazvitorera (unbeaten 42), who had taken two wickets earlier, joined hands with Mudzengerere to keep the opponents at bay with a  64-run partnership for the ninth wicket. Al Fahad returned and scalped the last two wickets to secure a 74-run win for the team.

The win meant that Bangladesh finished above New Zealand in the Super Six, while Zimbabwe stood at the bottom of the group with four losses in as many games.

Brief Scores

Bangladesh v Zimbabwe – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Bangladesh 253/9 in 50 overs (Azizul Hakim Tamim 59, Rizan Hossan 47; Michael Blignaut 2/41, Shelton Mazvitorera 2/44)

Zimbabwe 179 all out in 48.4 overs (Simbarashe Mudzengerere 70, Shelton Mazvitorera 42 not out; Iqbal Hossain 5/24, Al Fahad 3/39)

Result: Bangladesh win by 74 runs