Bangladesh U-19 beat Pakistan by seven wickets to face India in Asia Cup final

Pakistan bowled out for 116, Bangladesh won easily, and India defeated Sri Lanka to reach the final.

Bangladesh U-19 team advanced to the final of the U-19 Asia Cup after defeating unbeaten Pakistan by seven wickets in the first semi-final on Friday. This dominant win sets up a final showdown with India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

After electing to bowl first, Bangladesh’s bowlers were in superb form, dismissing Pakistan for a paltry 116.

Iqbal Hossain Emon was the standout performer, claiming 4 wickets for 24 runs, while Maruf Mridha provided crucial support with 2 wickets.

Farhan Yousaf was the top scorer for Pakistan, making 32 runs, while Shahzaib Khan, who scored brilliant centuries against arch-rival India and UAE, was dismissed for a duck by Maruf Mridha.

In response, Bangladesh made light work of the modest total, chasing it down in just 23 overs.

Pakistan made early breakthroughs, removing both openers within the first eight overs. Kalam Siddiki Aleen was dismissed for a duck in the seventh over, caught by Farhan Yousaf off Ali Raza’s delivery, while Zawad Abrar scored 17 runs before being dismissed by Naveed Ahmad Khan.

The third wicket fell in the 17th over when Mohammad Shihab James was sent back for 26 runs by Naveed Ahmad Khan. However, Bangladesh’s chase went unchallenged from that point onwards.

Captain Azizul Hakim led the chase with a crucial knock of 57 runs off 41 balls, including six fours and three sixes. Hakim hit the winning four in the 21st over, leading Bangladesh to a comfortable 120-run total with 167 balls to spare.

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 as India successfully chased down the total in just 21.4 overs.

Pakistan had entered the semi-final undefeated, having won all their group matches, including victories over India, UAE, and Japan.