DUBAI: Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the first semi-final of the Under-19 Asia Cup to book their place in the final.
Chasing a modest target of 117 runs in 22.1 overs, the young Bengal Tigers faced an early setback but regrouped to comfortably seal victory.
Bangladesh lost the opening two games, leaving them at a precarious 28/2 in just 7.2 overs.
Kalam Siddiki was dismissed for a duck after facing 14 deliveries, with Ali Raza accounting for his wicket. Zawad Abrar, who looked promising, was sent back after scoring 17 off 25 balls.
However, Azizul Hakim and Mohammad Shihab James steadied the innings with a vital 57-run partnership for the third wicket.
Despite their efforts, Bangladesh lost Shihab James for 26 runs off 36 balls, dismissed by Naveed Ahmed Khan.
The Bangladesh captain struck a crucial knock, scoring an unbeaten 61 off 42 deliveries, which included seven boundaries and three sixes. Rizan Hossan also scored five runs off 17 deliveries.
Pakistan’s bowling department failed to impress with their performance as Ali Raza, Abdul Subhan and Naveed Ahmed Khan took a wicket each.
Bangladesh will now face India in the final of the Under-19 Asian Cup, scheduled for Sunday, December 8, at the Dubai International Stadium.
After being asked to bat first, the Pakistan team was dismissed for 116 runs in 37 overs in the first innings.
Openers Usman Khan and Shahzaib Khan departed without scoring, leaving Pakistan reeling at 7/2 in the first three overs.
Mohammad Riazullah and captain Saad Baig tried to steady the innings with a 42-run partnership for the third wicket.
However, Saad’s dismissal for 18 off Iqbal Hossain Emon’s 41 deliveries triggered another slump, with Pakistan falling to 49/3 in the 15th over.
Naveed Ahmed Khan joined Riazullah but fell victim to a strong run from Kalam Siddiki for just two, leaving the score at 53/4.
Riazullah fought valiantly, scoring 28 off 65 balls, but his efforts were undone as wickets continued to fall. Haroon Arshad managed to make 10 off 30 balls before falling to Al Fahad.
A brief glimmer of hope came through a 34-run partnership between Farhan Yousaf and Faham ul Haq for the seventh wicket.
Farhan’s 32 quickballs added some respectability to the total, but his dismissal marked the end of Pakistan’s resistance.
Strikers Abdul Subhan and Ali failed to trouble the pacers while Faham remained unbeaten on 8 off 39 balls.
Bangladesh’s bowlers put in a clinical performance, led by Iqbal Hossain Emon, who took 4/24 in seven overs.
Maruf Mridha contributed two wickets, while Al Fahad and Debasish Deba each contributed one.
