DHAKA, Jan 27, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Under-19 cricketers' hopes of reaching 
the World Cup semifinals were dashed after a seven-wicket defeat to England 
in their opening match of the Super Six phase at Queens Sports Club in 
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe today.

In a must-win encounter, Bangladesh produced a wayward batting display and 
were dismissed for just 136 in 38.1 overs. England's youngsters faced little 
resistance, cruising to 137- 3 in 24.1 overs to seal a comprehensive victory.

England captain Thomas Rew led the chase with an unbeaten 59 off 50 balls, an 
innings featuring five fours and two sixes. Ben Mayes chipped in with 34, and 
together with Rew added a match-winning 78-run stand for the third wicket. 
Opener Ben Dawkins also contributed 27.

For Bangladesh, pacer Al Fahad claimed 2-37, while Samiun Basir picked up 1-
30.

Earlier, despite losing opener Zawad Abrar for 6, Bangladesh made a steady 
start through Rifat Beg and captain Azizul Hakim 
Tamim. 

However, the momentum shifted when England bowler Farhan Ahmed dismissed 
Rifat, breaking a 46-run partnership for the second wicket.

Rifat, who scored 31, ended as Bangladesh's highest scorer. Hakim followed 
soon after for 20, triggering a dramatic collapse as Bangladesh lost their 
remaining seven wickets for just 64 runs. 

Mohammad Abdullah was the only other batter to show resistance, scoring 25.

Sebastian Morgan starred with the ball for England, finishing with figures of 
3-28, while Ralphie Albert and Manny Lumsden claimed two wickets each.

Bangladesh will face off Zimbabwe on January 31 in their second and final 
Super Six match.

Bangladesh, the defending champions from the 2020 edition of the ICC Under-19 
World Cup reached the Super Six with just one group-stage victory, which came 
against the USA. 

They lost their opening match to India by 18 runs on DLS method, while their 
fixture against New Zealand was washed out due to rain.

India and New Zealand also progressed to the Super Six from Bangladesh's 
group. However, as per tournament rules, Bangladesh carried forward only one 
point, as their win against the USA did not count because the USA failed to 
qualify for the Super Six.

Bangladesh carried one point from their abandoned group match, making the 
clash against England a must-win encounter for Bangladesh.