Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s century propelled Bangladesh A to a resounding 21-run victory over Afghanistan A in their final group game at the P Sara Oval during the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup. With this win, Bangladesh A secured their spot in the semifinals of the tournament.

Opting to bat first, Bangladesh posted a formidable total of 308 for seven. Despite a shaky start, with the team reeling at 34 for three within six overs, Joy and Zakir steadied the innings with a crucial 117-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Zakir’s contribution of 62 runs from 72 balls included six fours and two sixes. Joy, on the other hand, showcased remarkable form, achieving his second List A hundred with a composed 114-ball knock, comprising 100 runs, featuring 12 boundaries and two sixes, before being dismissed in the 47th over.

Soumya Sarkar’s brisk 48 off 42 balls and Mahedi Hasan’s explosive 36 off just 19 deliveries, adorned with six fours and a six, helped Bangladesh amass 52 runs in the final five overs of their innings.

In response, Afghanistan A made a valiant effort but fell short, reaching 287 for eight in their allotted overs. Opener Riaz Hassan led the charge with a well-played 78, while Bahir Shah remained unbeaten on 53. However, the target set by Bangladesh proved insurmountable.

Bangladesh A’s bowlers did an excellent job, with Tanzim Hasan Sakib claiming three wickets, and left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan and all-rounder Soumya Sarkar both taking two wickets each, effectively containing Afghanistan’s batting lineup.

With their second-place finish in Group A, Bangladesh A earned the opportunity to face the champions of Group B in the semifinals, a team that will be determined after the match between Pakistan A and India A today.

Bangladesh A’s Mahmudul Hasan’s unbeaten century saves the day with a draw. In the third and final unofficial Test against West Indies A at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, opener Mahmudul Hasan played a crucial role by scoring an unbeaten 114, helping Bangladesh A salvage a draw and avoid a humiliating defeat.

Although Bangladesh A lost the three-match series 1-0, they managed to draw the first Test due to rain and narrowly lost the rain-affected second Test by three wickets. If not for Hasan’s determined performance against a disciplined West Indies attack, the series result could have been 2-0 in favor of the visitors.

Starting the day at 47 for no loss and needing an improbable 414 runs for victory, Hasan showed great resilience to save the Test match.

Hasan’s brilliant innings included 14 boundaries off 268 balls, lasting 422 minutes at the crease. Bangladesh A finished the fourth and final day at 306-4, chasing a target of 461 runs for victory.

Hasan formed a solid opening partnership of 93 runs with Zakir Hasan, providing a strong foundation for the team. After Zakir’s dismissal for 43, Bangladesh A faced a minor setback with quick wickets of Mominul Haque (5) and captain Saif Hassan (38).

However, Hasan forged a crucial 117-run partnership with Yasir Ali, frustrating the West Indies A team. Yasir contributed with a well-compiled 67, including six fours and four sixes.

Supported by Shahadat Hossain Dipu, who remained unbeaten on 20, Hasan successfully saw off the final day to secure a draw for Bangladesh A.

In the first innings, West Indies A posted 445 runs before being bowled out, and they gained a lead of 240 runs after dismissing Bangladesh A for just 205 runs. Instead of enforcing the follow-on, the visitors chose to bat again and declared their second innings at 220-5, setting a challenging target of 461 runs for Bangladesh A to win the match.