DHAKA, May 12, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Men's Emerging team made a good start to the three-match unofficial ODI series against South Africa, edging the visitors past by three wickets in a thrilling contest in first match at Rajshahi Stadium today.

Put into bat first, South African Men's Emerging team posted a hefty 301-8 but Bangladesh gunned it down with two balls to spare, reaching 302-7 in 49.4 overs.

Bangladesh needed seven runs in the last over but Rakibul Hasan and Tofael Ahmed sailed the side home, scoring the required runs in first four balls. 

The pair in fact added 39 runs in just 18 balls to confirm the victory after Bangladesh appeared to loss the control with the asking run rate climbing up alarmingly.

Opener Mafijul Islam Robin kept the side relevant in the chase with 89 ball-87, an innings laced with eight fours and two sixes. After his departure, the middle order were strangled, allowing the asking run rate to be climbed up.

Captain Akbar Ali, however, counterattacked with 24 ball-41 but departed with the side still needing 39 runs from 20 balls. 

Rakibul who struck three sixes completed the chase successfully, ably supported by Tofael. Both of the batters made identical 24 not out.

South Africa earlier rode on the half-centuries from Connor Esterhuizen and Andile Simelane. Esterhuizen paved the way for a big total with 71 off 69, hitting four fours and three sixes. 

Simelane gave the finishing touch with 39 ball-61, studded with seven fours and three sixes.

For Bangladesh, pacer Ripon Mondol took three wickets but gave away 84 runs in 10 overs.

The second match is on Wednesday at the same venue.