DUBAI, (TDI): Bangladesh U-19 team advanced to the final of the U19 Asia Cup, defeating Pakistan by seven wickets in the first semi-final on Friday. The victory sets up a final clash with India on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Chasing a modest target, Bangladesh cruised to the finish line in just 23 overs. However, Pakistan made an early impact by dismissing both openers within the first eight overs. Kalam Siddiki Aleen was out for a duck in the seventh over, caught by Farhan Yousaf off a delivery from Ali Raza.
Abdul Subhan struck next, removing Zawad Abrar, who made 17 runs off 25 balls, with four boundaries. Abrar was caught by Usman Khan.
Pakistan’s attack continued with Naveed Ahmad Khan getting rid of Mohammad Shihab James in the 17th over. James had contributed 26 runs, the second-highest score for Bangladesh, before being caught by Shahzaib. That would be the last breakthrough for Pakistan, as Bangladesh quickly chased down the target.
Bangladesh captain Azizul Hakim played a key role in the chase, scoring a match-winning 57 runs off 41 balls, including six fours and three sixes.
Hakim hit the winning four in the 21st over, bringing the team to 120 runs and sealing the victory with 167 balls remaining.
Pakistan’s bowling attack, featuring Ali Raza, Abdul Subhan, and Naveed, each claimed one wicket. However, it wasn’t enough to stop Bangladesh from reaching the target comfortably.
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Earlier, Pakistan was put in to bat first but struggled to build partnerships. Both openers, Usman Khan and Shahzaib Khan, were dismissed without scoring. Mohammad Riazullah and captain Saad Baig tried to steady the innings with a 42-run third-wicket stand, but Baig’s dismissal for 18 off 41 balls sparked a collapse.
Bangladesh’s bowlers dominated, with Iqbal Hossain Emon taking four wickets to bowl Pakistan out for just 116 runs in 37 overs. Maruf Mridha also impressed with two early wickets.
Farhan Yousaf was the top scorer for Pakistan, contributing 32 runs off 32 balls, but it wasn’t enough to save the team from a heavy defeat.
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In the second semi-final earlier in the day, India comfortably defeated Sri Lanka at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka, batting first, was bowled out for 173 runs in 46 overs. India chased the total with ease in just 21.4 overs.
Pakistan had been undefeated in the tournament before the semi-final.
They had won all their group matches, including a 43-run victory over India, a 69-run win against the UAE, and a crushing 180-run triumph over Japan.
