Bangladesh's spinners claimed seven wickets in an eight-wicket victory over Afghanistan and set up a final against India in the Under-19 Tri-series One-day cricket tournament in Kolkata on Wednesday.
Off-spinner Saeed Sarkar (3-6) and left-arm spinner Saleh Ahmed Shawon Gazi (3-32) claimed three wickets each as the Afghans were dismissed for 99 in 26.2 overs after they opted to bat in a must-win match.
Bangladesh then chased down the target in less than 25 overs, losing two wickets.
Bangladesh were 29 for 2 in 7.2 overs, losing two wickets in the space of five runs, but skipper Mehedi Hasan Miraz (37 not out from 50 balls; 6x4) and Nazmul Hossain Shanto (38 not out from 60b; 4x4) put on an unbroken 72 at a fairly brisk clip to steer their team home in 24.3 overs and bag a bonus point.
Afghanistan failed to register a single victory.
Bangladesh finished with nine points, second behind India.
Both teams will lock horns in the Sunday final.
Earlier, Afghanistan were given a steady start by openers Hazratullah (16) and skipper Ihsanullah (12), who put on 34 in 5.4 overs, but Bangladesh skipper Mehedi Hasan Miraz (1-19) triggered the collapse with his gentle off-spin.
Left-arm pacer Mehedi Hasan Rana (2-33) joined in the act to reduce them to 34 for 3 in 6.3 overs by taking two wickets in three deliveries.
The left-arm spin and off-spin duo of Saleh Ahmed Shawon Gazi and Saeed Sarkar continued the free flow of wickets with the Afghan batsmen in no mood to build a platform.
Brief Scores:
Afghanistan: 99 in 26.2 overs (Tariq 27; Saleh Ahmed Shawon 3-32, Saeed Sarkar 3-6, Mehedi Hasan Miraz 2-33).
Bangladesh: 101-2 in 24.3 overs (Nazmul Hossain Shanto 38 not out, Mehedi Hasan 37 not out; Tariq 1-13).
