Goodbye folks - That draws the curtains on today's proceedings, but the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, 2026, has a blockbuster in the chamber. The stage is set for the mother of all rivalries as the arch-enemies, India and Pakistan, lock horns in a high-octane clash this Sunday, February 1st, at 7:30 AM GMT. Make sure you tune in for the toss and early build-up to what promises to be a subcontinental thriller. Until then, cheers and goodbye!
The victorious captain of Bangladesh Under-19 - Azizul Hakim Tamim says that he is very happy to win the last match of the campaign. Continues that he is not satisfied with the team's effort in the Super Six stage, and he feels like they could have done a lot better. However, he praises his two pacers, Iqbal Hossain and Al Fahad, and says that it's just the prize of their dedication in practice sessions. Ended up thanking the supporters of Bangladesh in his native language. He also adds that it's not quite the performance they expected, but the players tried their best, and also asks them to pray for the young players' bright future.
Skipper of Zimbabwe Under-19 - Simbarashe Mudzengerere says he focused on giving himself time to settle at the crease and bat out 50 overs. He notes that the top-order batters should have done the same but weren't able to. He further expresses his admiration for Shelton's performance, saying he expects big hits from him. He reflects on the experience of leading the team in the World Cup, acknowledging the pressure that comes with it. Mudzengerere thanks the Zimbabwe cricket board for trusting him with the job and appreciates the support of the fans, which gave the team confidence. He also mentions that he learned valuable lessons from the tournament, both from successes and setbacks, and thanks everyone for being part of it.
Player of the Match - Iqbal Hossain wins the Player of the Match for his five-wicket haul (10-3-24-5). He says that he is very happy that he has done well in the final match and that he contributed to his team. Adds that last night he didn't know he would get the FIVE-FER, but he is extremely delighted to achieve his personal milestone. Also says that this particular ground is known to him and his teammates, as they had played a series with Zimbabwe and South Africa before the tournament, so they very well know about the conditions of the track. Ended up asking Bangladesh supporters to pray for their bright future as they have a lot of talent in their team.
Time for the presentation ceremony...
Bangladesh’s attempt with the bat - Earlier in the game, a massive 22-run final over propelled Bangladesh U19 to 253/9, saving an innings that often lacked urgency on what was a batting-friendly surface. While the recovery was anchored by a spirited 73-run stand between Rizan and the consistent Azizul Hakim, a middle-order stutter threatened to derail their progress until Al Fahad and Emmon’s late cameos provided a crucial finishing kick to set a fighting target.
Zimbabwe’s chase falters - Zimbabwe’s reply started poorly, losing early wickets to the clinical pace of Iqbal Hossain, who finished with magnificent figures of 10-3-24-5. The hosts were quickly reduced to 42/4, effectively ending the chase before it could truly begin. A defiant stand between captain Simbarashe Mudzengerere and Shelton Mazvitorera provided a glimmer of hope for the local fans. Mudzengerere's gritty half-century showed the ‘quality’ mentioned by spectators, but the required run rate eventually climbed beyond reach. Once the partnership was broken by Al Fahad, the tail folded quickly.
Tournament over for these two giants - It wasn't the fairy-tale ending the home crowd had envisioned. Zimbabwe Under-19 concluded their tournament campaign today, exiting without a single victory to their name. While the hosts entered the season with high aspirations, the clinical nature of the competition served as a stark reality check regarding the current gap in quality. In contrast, Bangladesh Under-19 managed to find their rhythm just in time. Though their advancement was already off the table, they treated this ‘dead rubber’ match with professional intensity, securing a win to ensure they head home on a positive note.
Al Fahad to Webster Madhidhi, OUT! BOWLED'EM! That would do it for Bangladesh. Fahad nails a yorker, on around the boots of the batter. Webster Madhidhi makes a bit room to the leg side, but as he detects the yorker, he tries to squeeze it to the off side, but the ball beats the inner part of the bat and rattles on the bottom of the leg pole. Bangladesh Under-19 beat Zimbabwe Under-19 by 74 runs.
Al Fahad to Webster Madhidhi, On a length, wide outside off, Webster Madhidhi looks to slap it through cover but misses.
Al Fahad to Webster Madhidhi, Full, on middle, Webster Madhidhi defends it back to the bowler.
Al Fahad to Shelton Mazvitorera, On a length, on middle, Shelton Mazvitorera pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
Rizan Hossan to Shelton Mazvitorera, On a length, on middle, Shelton Mazvitorera nudges it to mid-wicket for a single.
Rizan Hossan to Shelton Mazvitorera, Back of a length, outside off, Shelton Mazvitorera once again looks to cut but misses.
Rizan Hossan to Shelton Mazvitorera, Short outside off, Shelton Mazvitorera misses on his cut.
Rizan Hossan to Shelton Mazvitorera, Slower and fuller, on off, Shelton Mazvitorera tucks it to the vacant mid-wicket region and gets a couple of runs.
Rizan Hossan to Webster Madhidhi, Back of a length, outside off, Webster Madhidhi looks to punch it away but gets nicked on the outside edge to deep third. Single taken.
Rizan Hossan to Shelton Mazvitorera, On a length, wide outside off, Shelton Mazvitorera slaps it to deep cover for a single.
Al Fahad to Webster Madhidhi, Full, down the leg side, Webster Madhidhi misses his flick.
Al Fahad to Webster Madhidhi, On a length, on middle, Webster Madhidhi defends it to cover.
Webster Madhidhi is the last man in.
Al Fahad to Simbarashe Mudzengerere, OUT! TAKEN! Second wicket for Al Fahad and Simbarashe Mudzengerere is furious as he doesn't like the way he got dismissed. This has been pitched on back of a length, on middle and leg. After pitching the delivery stays low. Simbarashe Mudzengerere looks to swipe it to deep square leg, but gets the top edge and the ball loops to short fine leg. Rizan Hossan settles underneath it and pouches the catch safely. Bangladesh Under-19 are just one wicket away from the win.
Al Fahad to Shelton Mazvitorera, On a length, on middle, Shelton Mazvitorera punches it to cover for a single.
Al Fahad to Shelton Mazvitorera, Back of a length, angling the leg side, Shelton Mazvitorera pulls it across the line, but gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball stays low after pitching.
Al Fahad to Shelton Mazvitorera, FOUR! Much fuller, on off, Shelton Mazvitorera drills it past the left of the wide mid off fielder for four more runs.
Samiun Basir Ratul to Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Full, on off, Simbarashe Mudzengerere defends it to cover.
Samiun Basir Ratul to Shelton Mazvitorera, Full, on off, Shelton Mazvitorera drives it to long off for a single.
Samiun Basir Ratul to Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Short and around off, Simbarashe Mudzengerere bunts it to deep cover for one.
Samiun Basir Ratul to Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Short and outside off, Simbarashe Mudzengerere looks to cut it away but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Samiun Basir Ratul to Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Short and outside off, Simbarashe Mudzengerere mistimes his cut to point.
Samiun Basir Ratul to Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Fuller, just outside off, Simbarashe Mudzengerere dabs it to point.
Shahriar Ahmed to Shelton Mazvitorera, Full, on off, Shelton Mazvitorera defends it to cover.
Shahriar Ahmed to Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Short, on off, Simbarashe Mudzengerere drives it to long off for a single.
Shahriar Ahmed to Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Fuller, pitching it outside off and turning away. Simbarashe Mudzengerere lunges to drive at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Shahriar Ahmed to Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Full, on off, Simbarashe Mudzengerere defends it to the off side.
Shahriar Ahmed to Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Full, just outside off, Simbarashe Mudzengerere tucks it to the leg side.
Shahriar Ahmed to Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Full, on off, Simbarashe Mudzengerere defends on his front foot.
Azizul Hakim Tamim to Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Full, on middle, Simbarashe Mudzengerere pushes it to long on for a single.
Azizul Hakim Tamim to Shelton Mazvitorera, Short, outside off, Shelton Mazvitorera punches it to long off for another single.
Azizul Hakim Tamim to Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Fuller, on off, Simbarashe Mudzengerere drives it to long off for a single.
Azizul Hakim Tamim to Shelton Mazvitorera, Short, on off, Shelton Mazvitorera pushes it to cover for a single.
Azizul Hakim Tamim to Shelton Mazvitorera, SIX! Up, up and away! Full-length delivery, on middle, Shelton Mazvitorera crouches a bit low and swats it over deep mid-wicket for six more runs.
Azizul Hakim Tamim to Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Full, on middle, Simbarashe Mudzengerere tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.
Shahriar Ahmed to Shelton Mazvitorera, FOUR! More runs from Mazvitorera! Short of a length, on off, Shelton Mazvitorera punches it up and over the bowler, to downtown and adds another boundary in his personal highlights.
Shahriar Ahmed to Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Fuller on middle, Simbarashe Mudzengerere drives it to long on for a single.
Shahriar Ahmed to Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Full, on off, Simbarashe Mudzengerere blocks it to point.
Shahriar Ahmed to Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Short, on off, Simbarashe Mudzengerere defends it down.
Shahriar Ahmed to Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Flat and fuller, on middle, Simbarashe Mudzengerere defends it down.
Shahriar Ahmed to Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Full, on off, Simbarashe Mudzengerere drives it to short cover.
Al Fahad to Shelton Mazvitorera, Full, on off, Shelton Mazvitorera defends to cover.