Hosts Bangladesh Emerging Cricket team earned a dramatic three-wicket victory over touring South African Emerging team to take 1-0 lead in the three-match unofficial ODI series at the Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi on Monday.

Chasing a huge target of 302 runs, Bangladesh team reached their target for the loss of seven wickets with two balls remaining in 49.4 overs, featuring 87 runs off 89 balls with eight fours and two sixes by opener Mahfijul Islam.

In the last stage of the match, Bangladesh were in a crucial situation needing 27 runs in last two overs with three wickets in hand, but number nine batsman Rakibul Hasan came to rescue Bangladesh quick-firing 20 runs in the 49th over with three sixes, leaving just seven runs in the last over, also with three wickets remaining.

Earlier, captain Akbar Ali hammered 24-ball 41 runs with four fours and two sixes, Ariful Islam scored 36 runs off 68 balls with two sixes, Jishan Alam made 27-ball 31 runs including seven fours, Rakibul Hasan scored not out 24 runs off 10 balls with three sixes, Tofail Ahmed also made unbeaten 24 runs off 20 balls while Pritom Kumar scored 17 runs off 35 balls with two fours helping Bangladesh to stay in the winning race.

Andile Mokgakane, George Van Heerden and Tsepo Ndwandwa took two wickets each.

Sent into bat first, South Africa piled a good total of 301 runs for the loss of eight wickets in stipulated 50 overs featuring 71 runs by Connor Esterhulzen and 61 runs by Andile Simelane.

Ripon Mondal grabbed three wickets for 84 runs and Ahrar Amin took two for 51 runs.

The rest two unofficials ODI between two teams will be held on May and 14 and 16 both at Rajshahi.