Pakistan go down against Bangladesh in U-19 Asia Cup semifinal

LAHORE: Bangladesh secured a resounding seven-wicket win against Pakistan in the first semifinal of the ACC U19 Men’s Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

The comprehensive victory was achieved in just 22.1 overs as Bangladesh chased down a modest target of 117 runs. After being asked to bat first, Pakistan’s innings faltered early. Left-arm pacer Maruf Mridha dismantled the top order, dismissing both openers, Usman Khan and Shahzaib Khan, for ducks within the first three overs.

No. 3 batter Mohammad Riazullah (28) and skipper Saad Baig (18) attempted to stabilize the innings with a 42-run partnership. However, player of the match Iqbal Hossain Emon broke the stand, dismissing both key players.

Farhan Yousaf provided a late spark for Pakistan with an aggressive run-a-ball 32, featuring three sixes and one four, but his dismissal in the 34th over left Pakistan at 113-7. The innings ended at 116 in 37 overs, with Iqbal Emon claiming impressive bowling figures of 4-24. Mridha contributed with 2-23, while Al Fahad and Debasish Deba picked up a wicket each.

Bangladesh made light work of the chase, led by captain Azizul Hakim’s blistering 42-ball 61. His innings featured seven fours and three sixes, ensuring a quick finish. Mohammad Shihab James supported the skipper with 26 runs off 36 balls, including four boundaries.

Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to defend the low total. Naveed Ahmed Khan, Abdul Subhan, and Ali Raza managed to pick up a wicket each, but their efforts were not enough to stop Bangladesh from cruising to victory in just over 22 overs.

Scores in brief: Pakistan U-19s 116 all out in 37 overs (Farhan Yousaf 32, Mohammad Riazullah 28; Iqbal Hossain Emon 4-24, Maruf Mridha 2-23). Bangladesh U-19s 120-3 in 22.1 overs (Azizul Hakim 61 not out, Mohammad Shihab James 26; Naveed Ahmed Khan 1-13).