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U19 Asia Cup: Pakistan Beat Bangladesh by 9 WicketsSports
Rizwanullah’s five-wicket haul and fifties from Hayam Khan and Usman Khan powered Pakistan into the U19 Asia Cup final, where India await on Saturday.
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Pakistan Under-19s stormed into the final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 with a commanding nine-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first semi-final at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Thursday. Chasing a modest target of 139, the defending champions reached 141 for one in just 21.5 overs, wrapping up victory with more than 28 overs to spare.
Bangladesh, who won the toss and chose to bat first, never recovered from early pressure. Their innings folded for 138 in 31.4 overs. Opener Abdullah Al Muhi top-scored with a fluent 50 off 45 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes, while Rakibul Hossan made 26 and All Rafi contributed 20. The rest of the batting line-up struggled as wickets fell at regular intervals and the lower order failed to build any meaningful partnership.
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Pacer Rizwanullah led Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack, finishing with five wickets for 30 runs from his eight overs. Mohammad Sayyam took two for 29, while Ali Raza, Hasnain Abbas Dar and Ahmed Hussain picked up one wicket each to complete the demolition of the Bangladesh innings.
Pakistan’s openers then set the tone in the chase. Hayam Khan and Usman Khan put on a century opening stand that never allowed Bangladesh back into the contest. Hayam scored a composed 69 off 72 balls, including eight fours and a six, before falling to Robiul Anik. Usman remained unbeaten on 64 from 54 deliveries, striking seven fours and two sixes, and Abdul Qadir finished the job alongside him on eight not out.
The win keeps alive Pakistan’s bid to retain the title they won in the previous edition. They will now meet India in Saturday’s final at Al Amerat, a repeat of last December’s title clash. India booked their place by beating Afghanistan by eight wickets in the second semi-final, chasing down a target of 228 with captain Lakshya Raichandani scoring 93.
The final on Saturday, 14 November, will be the biggest test yet of Pakistan’s campaign. With the batting in form and the bowling attack firing, the defending champions will head into the title decider full of confidence, but India have been equally impressive through the tournament and the stage is set for a high-voltage contest between the two rivals.
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