England slide to third defeat

Azeem Rafiq's three wickets failed to halt Bangladesh U19s as they took a 3-0 lead in the seven-match series

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England Under-19s succumbed to a third consecutive defeat against their Bangladesh counterparts in the seven-match one-day series as they suffered an 87-run loss in Fatullah.

Set 252 to win after Azeem Rafiq took three wickets, the tourists were bowled out for just 164 at the Khan Shahele Osmani Ali Stadium. Michael Bates top-scored with 33.

England skipper Rafiq’s decision to bowl first had initially looked a shrewd move, with Callum Haggett dismissing both openers inside the opening eight overs to leave Bangladesh 22 for two.

However, Nural Hasan and Tasamul Haque steadied things for the hosts as they put on 59 for the third wicket.

Nural had made his way to 40 before he became the first of three victims for Rafiq, while Tasamul was dismissed by Haggett for a well-made 66 that included four fours and a six.

Healthy contributions down the order from skipper Mahmudul Hasan, who chipped in with 35 from 53 balls, and Alauddin Babu kept the scoreboard moving at a commendable rate, and Abul Hasan blazing 24 from seven balls - including three sixes - in the climax to the innings as they ended on 251 for eight.

England leaked 67 runs from the last five overs, and 27 from the final over, as their discipline deserted them.

The visitors’ reply began brightly with Chris Dent and Michael Bates putting on 46 for the first wicket, but when they fell for 19 and 33 respectively England’s middle order had little answer to an impressive bowling display from the home side.

England slipped from 71 for three to 96 for seven and failed to reach respectability despite Haggett’s 26 from 33 balls.

Mahmudul followed up his batting exploits by taking 3-46, while Shabbir Rahman returned superb figures of 9-2-22-3 and Noor Hossain 2-19 from nine overs.

"The last five overs of the Bangladesh innings effectively took the match away from us today," said team manager John Abrahams.

"Despite a disappointing performance, the side will have learnt some valuable lessons and will have an opportunity to improve when they take to the field again on Thursday."

The fourth match of the series takes place at the same venue on Thursday.