U19 Asia Cup: Bangladesh Secures Final Spot After Triumphs Over Pakistan
- Bangladesh defeated Pakistan in a commanding performance, securing their place in the final.
- Farhan Yousaf scored 32 runs off 32 balls, including one boundary and three sixes.
- Bangladesh chased the target comfortably in 22.1 overs, losing just three wickets.
Bangladesh delivered a commanding performance to defeat Pakistan and secure their place in the U19 Asia Cup final, where they will face India on December 8. The final will be played at the same venue following India’s semi-final victory over Sri Lanka.
Electing to field first, Bangladesh dominated from the outset, bowling out Pakistan for a modest 116 runs in 37 overs. Maruf Mridha struck early, dismissing Pakistan’s openers and leaving them reeling at 7-2. Although Muhammad Riazullah and captain Saad Baig stabilized the innings briefly with a 42-run partnership, Iqbal Hossain Emon broke their momentum by dismissing Baig.
Riazullah contributed 28 runs off 65 balls before falling to Emon, while Farhan Yousaf top-scored for Pakistan with a brisk 32 off 32 balls, including one boundary and three sixes. However, the rest of the lineup struggled to make an impact. Emon was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, claiming 4-24, while Mridha took two crucial wickets. Al Fahad and Debasish Deba chipped in with one wicket each.
In response, Bangladesh chased the target comfortably in 22.1 overs, losing just three wickets. Captain Azizul Hakim led the charge with a brilliant unbeaten 61 off 42 balls, featuring seven boundaries and three sixes. Mohammad Shihab James added a steady 26 off 36 balls. Pakistan’s bowlers Ali Raza, Abdul Subhan, and Naveed Ahmed Khan picked up one wicket apiece but couldn’t prevent the inevitable.
Bangladesh will now aim to replicate their dominant display against India in the final, seeking to lift the U19 Asia Cup trophy.
Pakistan U19 Playing XI: Usman Khan, Shahzaib Khan, Muhammad Riazullah, Saad Baig (c) (wk), Naveed Ahmed Khan, Haroon Arshad, Farhan Yousaf, Faham-ul-Haq, Umar Zaib, Abdul Subhan, Ali Raza
Bangladesh U19 Playing XI: Zawad Abrar, Azizul Hakim (c), Kalam Siddiki, Rizan Hossan, Mohammad Shihab James, Farid Hasan (wk), Debasish Deba, Samiun Basir, Al Fahad, Iqbal Hossain Emon, Maruf Mridha
