Bangladesh secure second win in Academy Cup

Bangladesh registered their second victory in the tri-nation Academy Cup by defeating Pakistan by 4 wickets at BKSP ground, Dhaka on Friday.

Overnight rain delayed the start of the match and it was reduced to 33 overs a side. Chasing a victory target of 124, Bangladesh academy were in serious trouble as Pakistan paceman Najaf Shah reduced Bangladesh to 23-4 in 7 overs. Bangladesh opening batsman Imrul Kayes launched a remarkable fight back and shared a match deciding 80 run partnership with Nadif Chowdhury in the 5^th wicket to ensure a Bangladesh win.

Bangladesh finally reached the target in 30.3 overs losing 6 wickets to keep their hope alive for the final place.

Imrul in his impressive 61 off 69 balls hammered 5 boundaries and 2 sixes. Nadif Chowdhury was the only other batsman to reach double figures who struck a patient 19 off 52 deliveries to support Imrul. Najaf Shah of Pakistan grabbed 3 wickets for 23 runs.

Earlier, Bangladesh skipper Mehrab Hossain won the toss and sent Pakistan to bat first. Bangladeshi bowlers used the damp conditions efficiently and reduced Pakistan to 76-7. Pakistan never recovered from that position and finally managed to post a modest 123-9 in stipulated 33 overs.

Five of the Pakistani top order batsman except Khalid Latif returned to the pavilion with single digit scores which diminished Pakistan’s chances to post a challenging score. Khalid scored a patient 23 off 46 balls and was the highest scorer or Pakistan along with wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed who remained unbeaten on 23 off 36 balls.

Mehrab Hossain was pick of the Bangladeshi bowlers, he bagged 3 wickets for 21 runs. Kamrul Islam joined the party with 2 wickets for 29 runs.

Despite this win Bangladesh failed to secure their place in the final. They have to rely on the outcome of Pakistan-Sri Lanka match to know their fate. A Sri Lanka win will secure a final spot for both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

If Pakistan win the clash, they will move into the final and the other team will be decided on the basis of net run rate.

Academy Tri-Series 2006/07 Table

			P	W	L	NR	BP	Pts	NetRR
1		Sri Lanka Cricket Academy	3	2	1	0	0	8	0.152
2		Bangladesh Cricket Academy	4	2	2	0	0	8	-0.353
3		Pakistan Cricket Academy	3	1	2	0	1	5	0.385