Bangladesh U-19 Clinch Series Win as Rain Washes Out Final Match in Colombo

Bangladesh Under-19 team, led by Azizul Hakim Tamim, secured a 3-2 series victory over Sri Lanka in the six-match youth ODI series, after rain forced the final match in Colombo to be abandoned.

Needing only to avoid defeat in the sixth and final game to clinch the series, the Junior Tigers were helped by persistent rain that halted play at the Colts Cricket Club Ground. Umpires were left with no choice but to call off the match at around 3 PM local time. As a result, Bangladesh, having won three of the first five matches, were awarded the series trophy.

Before the rain interruption, Bangladesh had made a strong start, reaching 188 for 3 in 39.1 overs. Despite a shaky beginning with opener Jawad Abrar departing for a duck in the second over, captain Azizul Hakim Tamim played a commanding innings, scoring 94 runs off 111 balls. He was well-supported by Rizwan Hossain, who remained unbeaten on 48. Mohammad Abdullah also stayed not out on 5.

After winning the toss, Tamim opted to bat first. While the opening partnership failed to fire, with Abrar falling early, Tamim partnered with fellow opener Kalam Siddique to steady the innings. Siddique made 31 before getting out, after which Rizwan joined the skipper to further consolidate the innings.

Tamim looked set for a century but was dismissed just six runs short, caught while attempting another aggressive shot. However, the rain arrived soon after, denying further progress but confirming Bangladesh's series triumph.

The series outcome was virtually sealed after Bangladesh won the fourth ODI, making it mathematically impossible for Sri Lanka to take the series unless they won both the remaining matches. With today’s washout, Bangladesh claimed the series without needing a final victory.