Former champions Bangladesh made a flying start in their opening super six match of the ICC U-19 Men's World Cup' 2024 beating their South Asian rivals Nepal by five wickets with 148 balls remaining at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, South Africa on Wednesday.

Nepal batted first after winning the toss and were all out for 169 runs in 49.5 overs with Vishal Bikram KC pairing with captain Dev Khanal contributing 62 runs in the 4th wicket stand.

Number five batter Vishal Bikram KC scored the team highest 48 runs off 100 balls hitting six fours while number four batsman Dev Khanal made 35 runs off 60 balls featuring three boundaries.

Besides, opener Arjun Kumal (14) and lower order Subash Bhandari (18) were the other notable Nepalese batter reaching the double figures

Rohanat Doullah Borson grabbed four Nepalese wickets for 19 runs in his 8.5 overs with two maidens and was adjudged player of the match while Sheikh Paevez Jibon claimed three wickets for 34 runs.

In reply, Bangladesh team faced no trouble to score the match-winner 170 runs for the loss of five wickets in just 25.2 overs with two down Ariful Islam quick-firing the match highest and unbeaten 59 runs off just 38 balls featuring seven fours and two sixes.

Besides, opener Jishan Alam (55), another opener Ashiqur Rahman Shibli (16), Chowdhury M Rizwan (15), Ahrar Amin (12) were the other major contributors for Bangladesh team.

Subash Bhandari made the major damage in Bangladesh innings grabbing all the five wickets conceding 44 runs in his eight over bowling.

Bangladesh will play Group D champions Pakistan in their other super six match at Benoni in South Africa on Saturday (February 3).

After the 16- team group matches on Sunday, top 12 teams, divided in two groups, are playing in the super six stage

Each of the teams carried forward their points and net run rate (NRR) in the super six stage which they earned in the group stage matches.

The six teams, which made super six berth from group A and D are: India, Bangladesh, Ireland (Group A) Pakistan, New Zealand and Nepal ( Group D)

South Africa, England, West Indies, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe qualified for the super six stage from Group B and C respectively.

The teams will play two matches in the Super Six stage against their opponents from the corresponding group which finished in a different position in their group.

The top two sides from the two Super Six groups will qualify for the semi-final stage.

Remaining fixtures of the Super Six matches

February 02:

India v Nepal in Bloemfontein

West Indies v Australia in Kimberley

South Africa v Sri Lanka in Potchefstroom

February 03:

Pakistan v Bangladesh in Benoni

New Zealand v Ireland in Bloemfontein

England v Zimbabwe in Potchefstroom