DUBAI: Bangladesh U19 stormed into the final of the ACC Under-19 Men’s Asia Cup with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan U19 in the first semi-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Chasing a modest target of 117 runs, the Bangladeshi side, led by captain Azizul Hakim, sealed the win in just 22.1 overs, setting up a title match with India on Sunday at the same venue.
After being put into bat first, Pakistan suffered a disastrous start, losing openers Usman Khan and Shahzaib Khan for ducks in the first three overs. Both batters fell victim to left-arm pacer Maruf Mridha, who delivered figures of 2-23.
A brief resistance came from Mohammad Riazullah (28 off 65 balls, 2 fours) and captain Saad Baig (18 off 41 balls, 3 fours), who added 42 runs for the third wicket.
However, the player of the match Iqbal Hossain Emon dismantled the middle order, taking four wickets for 24 runs.
Farhan Yousaf’s quick-fire 32 (off 32 balls, 1 four, 3 sixes) provided some relief but was insufficient to save Pakistan from a dismal total of 116 all out in 37 overs.
Hakim Leads Bangladesh’s Chase
In response, Bangladesh also stumbled early, losing two wickets with only 28 runs on the board. Opener Zawad Abrar contributed 17 runs, while Kalam Siddiki departed for a duck after facing 14 deliveries.
Skipper Azizul Hakim then took charge with an explosive unbeaten 61 off 42 balls, decorated with seven boundaries and three sixes.
Hakim’s counterattacking approach, complemented by a steady 57-run partnership with Mohammad Shihab James (26 off 36 balls, 4 fours), steered Bangladesh closer to victory.
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Naveed Ahmed Khan managed to remove Mohammad Shihab James, but Hakim remained unflappable, finishing the match in style with a boundary. Bangladesh reached the target in 22.1 overs, ending at 120-3.
The victory propels Bangladesh to the final, where they will face defending champions India, who defeated Sri Lanka by seven wickets earlier in the day at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Scores in Brief
Pakistan U19: 116 all out in 37 overs (Farhan Yousaf 32, Mohammad Riazullah 28; Iqbal Hossain Emon 4-24, Maruf Mridha 2-23).
Bangladesh U19: 120-3 in 22.1 overs (Azizul Hakim 61 not out, Mohammad Shihab James 26; Naveed Ahmed Khan 1-13).
Player of the Match: Iqbal Hossain Emon (Bangladesh U19).
