Bangladesh’s campaign in the ICC Under-19 World Cup began with a heartbreaking 18-run defeat to India in Bulawayo, despite a sensational five-wicket haul from pacer Al Fahad.

After Bangladesh elected to bowl first, Fahad’s venomous opening spell—highlighted by two wickets in two balls—left India reeling.

However, a counter-attacking 72 from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and a gritty 80 from Abhigyan Kundu allowed India to recover and post a total of 238.

Fahad finished with figures of 5-38, supported by two wickets apiece from Iqbal Hossain Emon and skipper Azizul Hakim Tamim.

Rain interruptions played a major role in the second innings, eventually revising Bangladesh's target to 165 from 29 overs via the DLS method.

The chase initially looked promising as Azizul Hakim Tamim struck a composed 51, anchoring the innings alongside Rifat Beg to put Bangladesh in a position of strength.

Needing 75 runs from the final 68 balls with eight wickets in hand, the momentum was firmly with the young Tigers. The match turned on its head when Hakim was dismissed by Khilan Patel, triggering a disastrous batting collapse.

Indian spinner Vihan Malhotra ran through the middle and lower order, taking 4-14 as Bangladesh lost their way completely.

From a comfortable position, they were eventually bowled out for 146 in 28.3 overs, falling short in a game that had been well within their grasp.