Bangladesh beat NZ, face India in final

Potchefstroom, February 6

Bangladesh stormed into their maiden ICC U-19 World Cup final with a six-wicket win over New Zealand, setting up the title clash with India.

Mahmudul Hason Joy rose to the occasion with a 100 off 127 balls, helping Bangladesh overcome the 212-run target in 44.1 overs. After losing the openers cheaply in the chase, Joy paired up with Towhid Hridoy (40) first before teaming up with Shahadat Hussain (40*) to share a 101-run stand for the fourth wicket and fashion a resounding win.

New Zealand had recovered from 74/4 to reach 211/8, courtesy an unbeaten 75 offf 83 balls from Beckham Wheeler-Greenall. Shoriful Islam was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, taking three wickets for 45 runs in 10 overs. The final between defending champions India and Bangladesh will be played on Sunday. — PTI

Brief Scores: New Zealand: 211/8 (Wheeler-Greenall 75, Lidstone 44; Islam 3/45, Shamim 2/31); Bangladesh: 215/4 (Joy 100, Shahadat 40*)