Isaac’s Century Powers England to Level U19 Series Against Tigers

In the second ODI of the five match series, England U19 bounced back by defeating Bangladesh U19, leveling the series 1-1. On Sunday at Loughborough’s Haslegrave Ground, the English Lions chased down a target of 273 with 4 wickets in hand. Opener Isaac Mohammad anchored the innings with a brilliant century, laying the foundation for the victory.

Chasing 273, England got off to a flying start. Isaac, who had struck a flurry of boundaries in the first match, continued his form, smashing balls to all corners. In the first ten overs, he shared a 68-run partnership with Joe Moyes (47) before Moyes was caught by Abdullah off Shahriar Al Amin.

Isaac then joined Ben Mayes (30) for the second-wicket stand, adding crucial runs. Mayes was dismissed by Samim Basir Ratul, but Isaac remained resolute at the crease, single-handedly steering the team, just like in the previous game.

With a beautiful 100 off 95 balls, including 9 sixes and 6 fours, Isaac’s innings set up England’s victory long before he was dismissed for 104 runs. In the end, Jack Nelson finished unbeaten on 35 off 38 balls, taking England to the target in 43.2 overs with 4 wickets in hand.

For Bangladesh, Samim Basir Ratul picked up 3 wickets, while Al Fahad, Faran Shahriar, and Shahriar Al Amin took one each.

Earlier, Bangladesh posted 272/9 in 47 overs. Openers Zawad Abrar and Rifat Beg shared a 31-run opening partnership before Zawad was dismissed for 10. Captain Azizul Hakim Tamim then joined Rifat to put together a 83-run partnership. Rifat scored a half-century, making 51 off 52 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes, while Tamim added 41 (3 sixes, 2 fours).

Middle-order responsibility fell to Rizan Hasan, who, along with Mohammad Abdullah (17), built a 69-run sixth-wicket partnership. Rizan remained the top scorer for Bangladesh with 57 off 57 balls (7 fours, 1 six). In the death overs, Al Fahad contributed 25 off 22 with 3 fours and a six, while Faran Shahriar added 17.

For England, Jamie Minto took 3 wickets, Manny Labsden and Jack Nelson 2 each, and Matthew Farbank and Ralphy Albert one each.

With the first match having gone to Bangladesh, England’s win in the second has set up a thrilling three-match series finale.