Under 19: Bangladesh claims third place in ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2016
Man of the match Mehidy claims three wickets and scores 53 as the hosts score thrilling three-wicket win over Sri Lanka
Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan followed his three-wicket haul with a top-score of 53 and was later adjudged the player of the match.
Nazmul Hossain made 40 and Jaker, who was forced to retire with cramps, returned to the crease and remained unbeaten on 31.
In Sunday’s final, three-time champion India will clash with the West Indies in Mirpur.
Sri Lanka, beaten by India in the semi-final, made a sound start as openers Kamindu Mendis (26) and Salindu Ushan (34) put on 60 for the first wicket in 12 overs.
But Bangladesh hit back to grab three wickets in the space of 10 runs before skipper Charith Asalanka and Wanidu Hasaranga revived the innings with a 55-run stand for the sixth wicket.
Hasaranga fell for 30 while Asalanka was ninth out after top-scoring with 76 with the help of six boundaries and a six.
Off-spinner Mehidy finished with three for 28. Mohammad Saifuddin and Abdul Haleem picked up two wickets each.
Bangladesh, looking to bounce back after the semi-final loss to the West Indies, lost opener Zakir Hasan in the first over bowled by Asitha Fernando.
Mehidy said the run-outs worried him, but was delighted his team won in the end.
“We could have done without those run-outs,” said the Bangladesh captain. “But now I am really happy. It is a good achievement for us to finish in the top three of a world event.
“We leave the tournament with very happy memories. There was obviously a lot of pressure on us because we were playing at home and our supporters expected us to go far.
“I am very proud of my team. I am sure the players have a very bright future ahead of them.”
Sri Lanka’s Asalanka blamed the defeat on yet another batting failure.
“I am really disappointed because we came here to become champions and could only finish fourth,” he said. “We have not batted well in several matches and today again we fell about 20 runs short.
“But we had some good wins in the tournament, especially the quarter-final against England when we won by six wickets. But overall, we should have played better.”
Summarised scores:
3rd/4th place play-off – Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka by three wickets in Fatullah
Sri Lanka 214 all out, 48.5 overs (Charith Asalanka 76, Salindu Ushan 34, Wanidu Hasaranga 30; Mehidy Hasan 3-28, Mohammad Saifuddin 2-48, Abdul Haleem 2-26)
Bangladesh 218-7, 49.3 overs (Mehidy Hasan 53, Nazmul Hossain 40, Jaker Ali 27 not out; Shammu Ashan 2-39)
Forthcoming match:
14 Feb – Final – India v West Indies, Mirpur
(Photos: Sameera Peiris)