Live Correspondent: Bangladesh women’s team got three consecutive victories and finished as group champions after they defeated USA by five wickets in their final Group A tie of the ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup at the Wilmoore Park in Benoni, South Africa on Wednesday.

Despite winning the first two matches against stronger opponents like Australia and Sri Lanka, Bangladesh somehow struggled against a lesser US side.

However, they reached the paltry target of 104-5 in 17.3 overs to keep their 100 percent winning record.

The slower balls with a bit of turn caused discomfort for the Bangladeshi batters, who had shown power hitting in previous matches, and their biggest hitter, Afia Prottasha, got out for seven off 10 balls.

But Rabeya Khatun and Rani Shaha, who scored 18 and 24, hit two boundaries each to ease the pressure and remained not out to navigate the side home.

Earlier in the day, after losing the toss, Bangladesh bowlers failed to pick up wickets at regular intervals and got only four scalps throughout the 20 overs, but contained the US girls well under a par score.

Skipper Disha Biswas was the pick of the bowlers, getting two wickets while conceding just 13 runs off four overs.

Rabeya Khan gave away just 14 runs bowling her full quota of four overs and opening bowler Marufa Akter got one wicket, conceding 17 runs.

US batter Snigdha Paul scored highest 26 runs but consumed 37 balls while Disha Dhingra made 20 off 39. Bangladesh won their first two matches against Australia and Sri Lanka to seal the Super Six berth.

Dhaka, 19 January (campuslive24.com)// AZ