Hasan and Shaker help Bangladesh U-19 seal series

A dramatic ninth-wicket stand of 55 between Abul Hasan and Shaker Ahmed helped Bangladesh Under-19 hold on for a nervy victory over Sri Lanka Under-19 with two balls to spare in the fourth ODI at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

The win secured the series for the hosts, who took an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-game series. Victory looked improbable when Sabbir Rahman (18) departed in the 35th over to leave the home side on 143 for 8, but Hasan and No. 10 Shaker had other ideas as they calmly kept the scoreboard moving.

Eight runs were needed off the final over bowled by legspinner Matheesha Perera. Shaker took a single from the first ball and Hasan then swept the next delivery for four, the first boundary of their partnership. A couple was squeezed from the next ball and Hasan completed the winning single with a push to mid on.

Choosing to bat, Sri Lanka U-19 lost captain Dinesh Chandimal off the fourth ball of the innings. The regular fall of wickets did not help their cause either as they finished on a below-par 197. Kushal Janith Perera provided the only joy in a dismal batting performance, scoring 68 off 83 balls, stroking five fours and a six en route. Abul Hasan, Noor Hossain and Sabbir Rahman were the pick of the bowlers, with two wickets apiece.

The Bangladesh U-19 wasn't too smooth either, as Shameera Weerasinghe picked up two wickets to leave the hosts struggling at 87 for 4. Chathura Peiris dented Bangladesh U-19's hopes further by accounting for three middle-order batsmen, setting the stage for the final drama.

The last match will be played at the same venue on Saturday.