The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Left-handed opener John Campbell scored a brilliant century as West Indies beat Bangladesh by 37 runs in the opening round of the CLICO International Under-15 Championship at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad on Saturday. Campbell scored 112 runs from 120 balls with nine fours and a six enabling his team to post 237 off 49.5 overs. He was later adjudged man of the match.

In reply, Bangladesh were restricted to 200 for 8 from the allotted 50 overs as spinner Donovan Nelson took three wickets for 43 runs. West Indies managed to post the challenging total riding on Campbell's century and two key partnerships from Akeem Saunders (23) and Steven Katwaroo (10). After losing three wickets for 64, Campbell and captain Katwaroo contributed 49 runs for the fourth wicket to revive the innings. When Katwaroo departed, Saunders then partnered with Campbell in a stand of 58 runs for the fifth wicket to put the Windies back on course. Shahariar Islam and Nazeef Ahmed captured three wickets each for 36 and 55 runs respectively for the Bangladesh Under-15 team.

In chasing the target, Ahamedul Kabir stroked a patient 80 runs off 100 balls with nine fours, but it was not enough for the young Tigers to secure a win. Ahamedul shared a 59-run stand for the third wicket with Ratnak Saha (11) that steered Bangladesh to 82 for two and then added further 55 runs for the fourth wicket with Rakin Ahmed (18). Kyle Mayers claimed two wickets for 21 runs. Meanwhile, in the Sunday's 2nd round encounters, West Indies meet Holland at Queen's Park Oval, while Bangladesh play Kenya at NCC in Couva.

Bangladesh will face Ireland in the third round match on Apr 29 at the same venue.

The semi-finals are billed for May 1, while the final match is scheduled for May 4.