Defending champions Pakistan produced another commanding performance to reach the final of the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup, beating Bangladesh by nine wickets in the first semi-final at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat on Thursday.
The victory, sealed with 169 balls to spare, kept Pakistan unbeaten in the tournament and set up a final against India on Saturday, 14 November. India booked the other place in the title match by beating Afghanistan by eight wickets in the second semi-final.
Rizwanullah’s five wickets break Bangladesh
Bangladesh batted first and were bowled out for 138 in 31.4 overs. Opener Abdullah Al Muhi top-scored with a fighting 50 from 45 balls, but the rest of the batting order could not build on his start. Rakibul Hossan, with 26, was the next highest scorer as wickets fell regularly through the innings.
Fast bowler Rizwanullah did most of the damage, taking five wickets for 30 runs from eight overs in his first five-wicket haul of the tournament. His spell broke the back of the Bangladesh innings and earned him the player of the match award. Left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Sayyam gave him strong support, taking two wickets for 29 runs.
Openers finish the chase in quick time
Chasing 139, Pakistan’s openers took control from the start and never allowed Bangladesh back into the match. Hayam Khan scored 69 and Usman Khan finished unbeaten on 64, with the pair sharing a 123-run opening stand. Abdul Qadir was unbeaten on eight when the winning runs were hit, and Pakistan reached 141 for one in only 21.5 overs. Robiul Hasan Anik took the only wicket to fall, finishing with figures of one for 22.
The result continued a strong tournament for Pakistan, who had already beaten the United Arab Emirates, India and Nepal in the group stage. That earlier win over India means Saturday’s final will be a repeat of the group meeting between the two sides, with the continental title at stake.
India reached the final after captain Lakshya Raichandani scored 93 in their eight-wicket win over Afghanistan. Pakistan will now have two days to prepare before the two sides meet again in Muscat.
For Bangladesh, the defeat brought their campaign to an end despite Muhi’s half-century, as their batters could not find a way past a disciplined Pakistan attack on the day it mattered most.
