Photo: BCB

DHAKA, Dec 12, 2025 (BSS)- A four-wicket haul from left-arm pacer Atiqur Rahman Akash, complemented by an aggressive half-century from opener Sk. Jarif Siyam, powered Bangladesh Under-17 to a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the third and final one-day match at the Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram today, sealing the three-match series 2-1.

Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka Under-17 were bowled out for 179 in 45.1 overs, with Akash wreaking havoc in his 10-over spell to return impressive figures of 4-21.

Jarif, who struck 52 in a losing cause in the previous match, once again led from the front with a run-a-ball 51 featuring three fours and two sixes. His fluent knock set the tone for a comfortable chase, laying the platform for middle-order batter Adrito Ghosh to build on.

Adrito made 54 off 77 balls, hitting four boundaries to push Bangladesh closer to victory before his dismissal. Akhash Roi then applied the finishing touches with an unbeaten 33 as Bangladesh cruised to 181-5 in 38.5 overs.

Earlier, Sri Lanka suffered early blows when Akash removed opener Arosh Sithumina and captain Rehan Peiris was run out shortly after. Off-spinner Jarif, sharing the new ball, deepened the visitors' troubles by dismissing Puljit Wathsuka for a duck, reducing them to 24-3.

Sanul Weeraratne provided the only substantial resistance, top-scoring with a fighting 66 to help Sri Lanka reach a modest total.

Jarif finished with 1-32 from seven overs, playing a perfect foil to Akash's efforts. He had also impressed in the previous match with a half-century and two wickets, despite Bangladesh losing that game by six wickets. The hosts had won the series opener by 78 runs.

The preceding two-match, three-day youth series between the sides ended in a 1-1 draw.