Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s century propelled Bangladesh A to a resounding 21-run victory over Afghanistan A in their final group game at the P Sara Oval during the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup. With this win, Bangladesh A secured their spot in the semifinals of the tournament.

Opting to bat first, Bangladesh posted a formidable total of 308 for seven. Despite a shaky start, with the team reeling at 34 for three within six overs, Joy and Zakir steadied the innings with a crucial 117-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Zakir’s contribution of 62 runs from 72 balls included six fours and two sixes. Joy, on the other hand, showcased remarkable form, achieving his second List A hundred with a composed 114-ball knock, comprising 100 runs, featuring 12 boundaries and two sixes, before being dismissed in the 47th over.

Soumya Sarkar’s brisk 48 off 42 balls and Mahedi Hasan’s explosive 36 off just 19 deliveries, adorned with six fours and a six, helped Bangladesh amass 52 runs in the final five overs of their innings.

In response, Afghanistan A made a valiant effort but fell short, reaching 287 for eight in their allotted overs. Opener Riaz Hassan led the charge with a well-played 78, while Bahir Shah remained unbeaten on 53. However, the target set by Bangladesh proved insurmountable.

Bangladesh A’s bowlers did an excellent job, with Tanzim Hasan Sakib claiming three wickets, and left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan and all-rounder Soumya Sarkar both taking two wickets each, effectively containing Afghanistan’s batting lineup.

With their second-place finish in Group A, Bangladesh A earned the opportunity to face the champions of Group B in the semifinals, a team that will be determined after the match between Pakistan A and India A today.