Pakistan under-19s beat Bangladesh by nine wickets in the Asia Cup semifinal in Oman on Thursday. Pakistan will now face India in Saturday’s final.
Bangladesh were bowled out for 138 in 31.4 overs at Al Amerat Cricket Ground. Pakistan chased the target down in just 21.5 overs, reaching 141 for 1.
Rizwanullah takes five wickets
Rizwanullah was the star with the ball. The left-arm spinner took 5 wickets for 30 runs and was named player of the match. Mohammad Sayyam took 2 for 29 as Bangladesh’s batting fell apart.
Only Abdullah Al Muhi stood firm for Bangladesh. He top-scored with 50 runs, but no other batsman passed 30. Bangladesh lost their last wickets quickly and were all out well before their 50 overs were up.
Hayam and Usman seal the win
Pakistan’s chase was never in trouble. Hayam Khan hit an unbeaten 69, and Usman Khan made 64, as the defending champions raced to the target with 28.1 overs to spare.
The only wicket to fall was taken by Robiul Hasan Anik. Pakistan’s batting made the chase look easy.
Pakistan are unbeaten in the tournament, with four wins from four matches. They have now reached their fifth Under-19 Asia Cup final.
India await in Saturday’s final
India beat Afghanistan by eight wickets in the second semifinal on Thursday. Afghanistan made 227 for 8, with Noman Salarzai and Shah Faisal Rahimi both scoring 51. India chased the target in 36.5 overs, with captain Lakshya Raichandani hitting 93 off 90 balls and VK Vineeth finishing 57 not out.
Raichandani’s innings had 13 fours and a six. Ishan Sood led India’s bowling with 3 wickets for 41 runs, while Aryan Savsani took 2 for 29. Afghanistan captain Sohail Khan finished 36 not out, but his side’s total of 227 was never enough. India reached the target with 79 balls to spare.
Saturday’s final at Al Amerat will be the fourth time Pakistan and India have met in an Under-19 Asia Cup final. Pakistan won last year’s final, and they also beat India in the group stage of this tournament.
India are record eight-time champions in this event, while Pakistan have won the title twice. Saturday’s match is set to be a big occasion, with both sides in strong form.
Pakistan’s road to the final
Pakistan and India have already met once in this tournament. Pakistan beat India in the group stage, so Saturday’s final is a rematch. India will want to put that defeat right, while Pakistan will want to show the group win was no one-off. India and Pakistan are the two most successful teams in the tournament’s history.
Pakistan’s run to the final has been built on strong bowling and calm batting. Rizwanullah’s five wickets against Bangladesh followed a steady tournament for the young side.
The final is on Saturday, November 14, at Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman. Pakistan will hope to defend their title, while India will want revenge for last year’s defeat.
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Sources: Cricbuzz, The Express Tribune, NDTV Sports.
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