Bangladesh reach Under-19 Asia Cup semi-final as Afghanistan-Zimbabwe Test sets rare record

The fourth and final day of the sixth round of the National Cricket League (NCL) is under way. On the same day, New Zealand take on India in the third ODI of the series.

Former South Africa all-rounder Dale Benkenstein will work as Bangladesh's batting coach on the tour of South Africa. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has given him the responsibility for the upcoming Test, ODI and T20 series.

After a superb batting display, Malaysia surrendered meekly before Bangladesh's fiery bowling. Farid Hasan's team beat them by a big margin of 205 runs to reach the semi-final of the Under-19 Asia Cup.

After posting a big total with the bat, Bangladesh's youngsters were equally dominant with the ball. Malaysia's batters simply could not stand up to the Bangladesh bowling attack. The big win sealed a semi-final place for the youth team.

For the first time in the history of Test cricket, three different innings of 500 or more runs have been seen in the same match. The rare record came in the Sharjah Test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. The run-filled match ended in a draw.

Batters dominated all five days of the drawn Test. There was some early assistance for the pacers with the ball. Yet on such a wicket, the hosts played three spinners and two pacers.

Meanwhile, the final day of the NCL's sixth round is being played at home. In this domestic competition, attention on the last day will be on the teams' positions in the points table.

There is also extra interest in the third ODI between India and New Zealand. Supporters of both teams will be watching this match, which will decide the fate of the series.

The appointment of Benkenstein as batting coach is important for Bangladesh ahead of the South Africa tour. He will work with the batters in all three formats — Tests, ODIs and T20s.

Reaching the semi-final of the Under-19 Asia Cup is a big achievement for Bangladesh's youth team. The 205-run win over Malaysia will boost the team's confidence ahead of the next stage.