Taha takes Pakistan to U19 Asia Cup final

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by two runs in a thrilling encounter to secure a spot in the final of the U19 Asia Cup here on Thursday.

In a tight contest, Pakistan defeated the hosts via the Duckworth-Lewis method.Batting first, Bangladesh posted 274 for 6, led by Pinak Ghosh’s 82, but Mohammad Taha kept Pakistan in the chase with his 97-ball 92.

Rain was imminent and when it stopped play in the 39th over — with Pakistan at 199 for 5 — they were just ahead of the DLS par-score of 197.Earlier, a fifty-run opening stand had set Bangladesh up well. Mohammad Naim was out for 14 in the ninth over, but his partner Ghosh, together with the captain Saif Hassan (61) put on 105 runs for the second wicket. Munir Riaz dismissed both set batsmen and finished with figures of 3 for 53.

Bangladesh eventually finished on 274 courtesy Afif Hossain’s 52 and a late surge from Nayeem Hasan (15-ball 22).Pakistan lost their top three inside 11 overs, with the team struggling at 51 for 3, before Taha began the rescue act. He hit eight fours and three sixes in his innings of 92. He was assisted by useful middle-order knocks from wicket-keeper Rohail Nazar (26) and Saad Khan (35*).

At 38.2 overs, Taha was dismissed by Qazi Onik (2-35), but their batsmen managed to add two more runs off the next four balls. Play stopped at the end of the 39th and never restarted, handing Pakistan the slender win. They will face the winner of the second semi-final between Afghanistan and Nepal in the final on Sunday.