Bangladesh U-19 Cricket team tasted their first defeat in their 3rd match of the Tri-nation Under-19s Tournament in Zimbabwe losing to South Africa by five wickets at the Harare Sports Club ground on Thursday.

With the day’s well merited victory, South Africa U-19 team not only took revenge of their one-wicket defeat against Bangladesh team in the 2nd match of the ongoing meet, but also advanced to the top slot in the three-nation tournament securing six points from four matches.

Bangladesh followed the leader South Africa securing four points from three league encounters while hosts Zimbabwe yet to open the account playing three matches.

In the day’s match, Bangladesh opted to bat first after winning the toss and were all out for 175 runs in 44.5 overs at the Harare Sports Club ground.

One down Azizul Hakim played captain knock of 59 runs off 81 deliveries featuring five fours and two sixes while middle order Kalam Siddiki contributed an unbeaten 49 runs off 61 balls with three hits to the fence and one over the fence, were the only two Bangladeshi batsmen reaching the double figure.

Jason Rowles grabbed three Bangladesh wickets for 35 runs while Bayanda Majola and Ntando Soni took two wickets each conceding 31 and 41 runs respectively.

In reply, South Africa scored the match winning 176 runs for the loss of five wickets in 36.5 overs with one down Armaan Manack contributed the team highest 57 runs off 78 balls hitting seven boundaries.

Besides, captain Jason Rowles (41), opener Muhammed Bulbulla (39) and Vihan Pretorius (not out 21) were notable Proteas batsman reaching the double figures.   

Pacer Al Fahad claimed three wickets for 29 runs while Debashis Deba and Iqbal Hosain Emon took one wicket each conceding 18 and 43 runs respectively.

Earlier, Bangladesh made a good start in the Tri-nation Youth meet with an exciting one-wicket victory over South Africa in the first match last Saturday, thanks to sensible batting by all-rounder Samiun Bashar.

Bangladesh consolidated their position in the tournament beating hosts Zimbabwe by 91 runs in the 2nd match.

In the remaining matches, Bangladesh will play hosts Zimbabwe again on Friday (August 1), South Africa on August 6 and Zimbabwe on August 8.

Later, the top two teams of the tri-nation meet will play the final on August 10.