BASSETERRE, Jan 17: Bangladesh's title defence in the Under-19 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup was off to the worst possible start with the side led by Rakibul Hasan suffering a crushing seven-wicket defeat at the hands of England in Group A at the Warner Park here on Monday (IST).
The defending champions could not negotiate the pace of the England bowlers, especially 17-year-old left-arm quick Joshua Boyden, as they were reduced to 51/9 in the 25th over. Bangladesh's innings finally folded up for 97 in 35.2 overs, with England notching up the runs with nearly 25 overs to spare.
No.11 Ripon Mondol hit an unbeaten 33 in a spirited last-wicket stand of 46 with Naimur Rohman (11) to drag Bangladesh up to 97, but they were still dismissed with the best part of 15 overs going to waste.
In reply, England lost opener George Thomas and captain Tom Prest but Jacob Bethell and James Rew put on 65 before the former was run out just shy of the finish line as England cruised to victory.
England picked up two points to go top of Group A ahead of their match against Canada on Tuesday while Bangladesh will look to bounce back on January 20 against the same opponents, who lost to the UAE in their opener.
Brief scores: Bangladesh 97 in 35.2 overs (Ripon Mondol 33 not out; Joshua Boyden 4/16, Thomas Aspinwall 2/18, Fateh Singh 1/29) lost to England 98/3 in 25.1 overs (Jacob Bethell, James Rew 26 not out) by seven wickets.
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