Pakistan booked their place in the U19 Asia Cup final after a commanding victory over Bangladesh in the second semi-final at Dubai’s Sevens Stadium on Friday, setting up a highly anticipated title clash against arch-rivals India.
In a rain-affected contest reduced to 27 overs per side, Pakistan produced a disciplined bowling display before a confident batting effort sealed a comfortable chase. Fast bowler Abdul Subhan starred with the ball, claiming four wickets as Bangladesh were dismissed for 121 in 26.3 overs.
Source: The News
After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bowl first and struck early to keep Bangladesh under pressure. Openers Rifat Beg and Zawad Akbar added 24 runs before falling in quick succession, halting the initial momentum. Bangladesh skipper Azizul Hakim attempted to steady the innings with a brisk 20 off 26 balls, but his dismissal triggered another collapse.
Subhan ripped through the middle order, reducing Bangladesh to 65 for five, while Ahmed Hussain and Huzaifa Ahsan provided effective support. Defending champions Bangladesh slipped further to 73 for six before all-rounder Samiun Basir offered resistance. Basir top-scored with a fighting 33 from 37 deliveries, including a six and a four, but lacked support at the other end.
Subhan finished with impressive figures of 4 for 20 in six overs. Huzaifa Ahsan picked up two wickets, while Ali Raza, Mohammad Sayyam, and Ahmed Hussain claimed one each to wrap up the innings efficiently.
Chasing a modest target, Pakistan endured a brief stumble when opener Hamza Zahoor was dismissed for a duck in the first over. However, the setback proved insignificant as Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan took control with an aggressive counterattack.
The pair added 85 runs for the second wicket in just 57 balls, shifting the momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favor. Usman Khan contributed a fluent 27 off 26 balls, striking two fours and two sixes, before being trapped lbw in the 11th over.
Sameer Minhas then anchored the remainder of the chase with maturity and confidence. Partnering with Ahmed Hussain, he guided Pakistan home with an unbroken 36-run stand. Sameer remained unbeaten on a match-winning 69 from 57 deliveries, featuring six fours and two sixes, while Ahmed Hussain added 11 not out.
Pakistan completed the chase in 16.3 overs, winning by eight wickets with 69 balls to spare, underlining their dominance in the semi-final.
The victory sets up a blockbuster Pakistan vs India U19 final on Sunday. India secured their place earlier with a comprehensive win over Sri Lanka, promising a high-intensity showdown between the tournament’s two most consistent sides.
