Emon Five-For Seals Consolation Win for Bangladesh Against Zimbabwe at Under-19 World Cup

Iqbal Hossain Emon claimed a clinical five-wicket haul to lead Bangladesh to a 74-run victory over Zimbabwe in their final Super Six match of the ICC Under-19 World Cup, giving them a consolation win to close out their campaign.

Defending 253, Bangladesh’s new-ball attack ripped through Zimbabwe’s top order, leaving the chase in tatters long before a late resistance could develop. Emon finished with outstanding figures of 5 for 24, supported by Al Fahad, who took 3 for 39, as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 179.

Zimbabwe’s reply faltered early after Emon removed both openers in his opening spell. He went on to account for four of the first five wickets, reducing Zimbabwe to 54 for 5 and then 104 for 7, with the required rate climbing rapidly out of reach.

Simbarashe Mudzengerere provided the lone substantial contribution with a well-made 70, and later combined with Shelton Mazvitorera in a ninth-wicket stand of 64 runs — a record partnership for Zimbabwe in Youth ODIs. However, by the time that resistance emerged, the outcome was already decided. Al Fahad eventually ended the innings by dismissing Mudzengerere with a well-directed slower bouncer, before knocking over Webster Madhidhi to claim the final wicket.

Earlier, Bangladesh had posted 253 for 9 after being anchored by captain Azizul Hakim, who scored 59 off 87 balls at No. 3. Rizan Hossan also made a valuable contribution with 47, but Bangladesh lost momentum in the middle and late overs, slipping from 153 for 4 to 211 for 8 with less than four overs remaining.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers maintained discipline for much of the innings, with Michael Blignaut picking up 2 for 41. However, Bangladesh finished strongly, plundering 22 runs from the final over bowled by Webster Madhidhi. Emon and Fahad were again at the forefront, striking boundaries and a six to swing momentum back in Bangladesh’s favour in their most productive over of the day.

Both teams had already been eliminated from semi-final contention, but Bangladesh’s dominant performance with the ball ensured they ended their Under-19 World Cup campaign on a positive note.