Bangladesh’s under-19 team rewrote the record books on Saturday with a landmark chase in the Asia Cup, overhauling a target of 284 to defeat Afghanistan by three wickets in Dubai.

No side in the tournament’s 36-year history had ever chased down a total of that size at under-19 level. Bangladesh did so with seven balls to spare, riding a commanding opening stand and holding their nerve through a tense finish at the ICC Cricket Academy ground.

Afghanistan, sent in to bat, posted 283 for seven, anchored by a polished century from Faisal Shinozada.

The batter struck 103 from 94 balls, his third hundred against Bangladesh in youth one-day internationals, before departing in the 33rd over. Afghanistan added 108 runs after his dismissal to set what appeared an imposing target.

Bangladesh’s reply was shaped by a fluent opening partnership between Jawad Abrar and Rifat Beg. The pair added 151 runs in 26.4 overs, giving the chase early momentum.

Rifat fell for 62, but Jawad carried on, mixing control with power and keeping the asking rate in check. He was dismissed for 96, four runs short of a century, after striking nine fours and six sixes in a 112-ball innings.

A brief wobble followed as wickets fell in quick succession, bringing pressure back into the contest. Captain Azizul Hakim and Kalam Siddiki steadied the innings, and despite further losses late on, Bangladesh stayed within reach.

The equation was reduced to 15 runs from the final 18 balls, and after a late dismissal, Shahriar Ahmed calmly nudged the winning run to seal a historic victory.