Pakistan cruise to final of U19 Asia Cup

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan marched into the final of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup edging past Bangladesh by two runs (D/L method) at the Kinrara Academy Oval in Kuala Lumpur Thursday.
In a match that was ultimately decided on Duckworth/Lewis method, Pakistan were two runs ahead of the required target after 39 overs of play. Rain halted Pakistan chase of 275-run winning target. Talented Mohammad Taha (92) set the things rolling for Pakistan scoring 69 runs for the fourth wicket with Rohail Nazir (26) and later 77 for the fifth wicket with Saad Khan (35 not out). Taha smashed three sixes and eight fours during his 97-ball stay at the wicket.
Pakistan reached 199-2 in 39 overs when rain stopped the play.Earlier, Pinak Ghosh (82) and Bangladesh captain Saif Hasan (61) played well to see their team raising 274-6 in 50 overs after Pakistan put them into bat first. While pacer Munir Riaz (3-53) bowled well, Shaheen Afridi (1-66) was a bit erratic.
In the final, Pakistan will play against the winner of Nepal-Afghanistan match.
Scores in brief: Bangladesh 274-6 in 50 overs (Pinak Ghosh 82, Saif Hasan 61, Atif Hossain 52 not out; Munir Riaz 3-53, Hassan Khan 1-39, Suleman Shafqat 1-44). Pakistan 199-5 in 39 overs (Mohammad Taha 92, Saad Khan 35 not out, Rohail Nazir 26; Qazi Onik 2-36). Result: Pakistan won by 2 runs (D/L method).