Bangladesh Under-19 have squandered a two-match lead in their five-match Youth ODI series against Afghanistan, suffering a four-wicket defeat in the fourth match on Friday to leave the contest level at 2-2.
After winning the opening two matches, Bangladesh have lost the next two, setting up a series decider in the final match in Al Amerat, Oman.
Batting first after winning the toss, Junior Tigers struggled to build a substantial total, managing 219 for nine in their 50 overs.
Captain Farid Hasan top-scored with 82 off 145 balls, hitting four fours, but received insufficient support from the rest of the batting order.
Afghanistan’s reply was anchored by two half-centuries. Subhan scored 60 off 81 balls at the top of the order before Tahir Sarwari guided his side home with an unbeaten 67 off 76 deliveries.
Junior Blue Tigers reached 220 for six in 48.1 overs, with 11 balls to spare, to complete the comeback and draw level in the series.
Bangladesh pacer Al Amin claimed two wickets for 44 runs, but his effort could not prevent the visitors from securing victory.
Bangladesh had taken control of the series with a 33-run victory in the opening match before winning the second after a tie was resolved by a Super Over. However, a 43-run defeat in the third match allowed Afghanistan to regain momentum.
The fourth-match loss has left Bangladesh with no room for error. They must win the final match to clinch the series after allowing their early advantage to slip away.
