U19 Asia Cup: Pakistan crush Bangladesh to set up India final

The Men in Green registered an eight-wicket victory on Friday

Pakistan Under-19 produced a clinical all-round display to outclass Bangladesh by eight wickets and book a blockbuster final against arch-rivals India in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup on Sunday.

Chasing a modest target, Pakistan made light work of the pursuit, reaching the winning runs with just two wickets down and a staggering 69 balls to spare. The emphatic victory underlined Pakistan U19’s dominance in the tournament and set up a much-anticipated Pakistan vs India U19 Asia Cup final.

The chase, however, began with an early hiccup. Opener Hamza Zahoor was dismissed for a duck in the first over with only one run on the board. Any thoughts of pressure were quickly erased as Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan counter-attacked with confidence and clarity. The pair added a brisk 85 runs for the second wicket in just 57 deliveries, completely shifting the momentum in Pakistan’s favour.

Usman’s stay ended in the 11th over when Samiun Basir trapped him lbw for a well-made 27 off 26 balls, an innings that included two fours and two sixes. By then, the damage had been done. Sameer continued to control the chase and was joined by Ahmed Hussain, with the duo calmly steering Pakistan home through an unbeaten 36-run stand.

Sameer finished as the standout performer with an assured 69 not out off 57 balls, striking six fours and two sixes, while Ahmed chipped in with a composed 11* from 14 deliveries.

Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers laid the foundation for the dominant win by dismissing Bangladesh for 121 in 26.3 overs in the rain-curtailed second semi-final at The Sevens Stadium. The match was reduced to 27 overs per side due to rain, but Pakistan adapted far better to the conditions.

Bangladesh openers Zawad Abrar and Rifat Beg made a steady start, adding 24 runs in 4.4 overs, before both were dismissed in quick succession. Skipper Azizul Hakim and Kalam Siddiki briefly rebuilt with a 31-run partnership that pushed the total past 50, but the resistance was short-lived.

Right-arm pacer Abdul Subhan turned the game decisively in Pakistan’s favour with a double strike in the 12th over, triggering a collapse from which Bangladesh never recovered. The Tigers slid from 55 for 3 to 73 for 6, with Azizul top-scoring with 20 off 26 balls.

Samiun Basir provided some late resistance with a fighting 33 off 37 balls, including a six and a four, but Bangladesh were bowled out before completing their allotted overs.

Abdul Subhan starred with the ball, finishing with a four-wicket haul, while Huzaifa Ahsan provided excellent support with two wickets. Pakistan now head into the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup final brimming with confidence as they prepare to face India in a high-stakes showdown.