Pakistan Beat Bangladesh by Nine Wickets to Reach U19 Asia Cup Final

Asia Cup: Defending champions Pakistan have reached the U19 Asia Cup final after a dominant nine-wicket win over Bangladesh. The match was played at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Thursday.

Pacer Rizwanullah was the star with the ball. He took five wickets, while Hayam Khan and Usman Khan hit fifties to finish the chase.

Bangladesh were bowled out for just 138 in 31.4 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers worked well as a unit and kept the pressure on throughout the innings.

Opener Abdullah Al Muhi fought hard for Bangladesh. He top-scored with 50 off 45 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes.

Rakibul Hossain added 26 off 39 balls, while Ali Rafi made a quick 20 off 22 deliveries. Captain Farid Hasan scored 17, but the rest of the batters could not stay at the crease.

SK Jarif Siyam, Ahsan Al Mumin and Sheikh Atiqur Rahman scored one run each. Robiul Hasan Anik and Rubay Islam Rizon were out for ducks.

Rizwanullah ended with brilliant figures of 5/30 in eight overs. Mohammad Sayyam, Ali Raza, Hasnain Abbas Dar and Ahmed Hussain took one wicket each.

The target of 139 was never a problem for the Green Shirts. Usman and Hayam gave the team a flying start with a strong opening stand.

Hayam made 69 off 72 balls, with eight fours and a six, before he was dismissed. Usman stayed not out on 64 off 54 balls, including seven fours and two sixes.

Abdul Qadir remained unbeaten on eight as Pakistan won in only 21.5 overs. They lost just one wicket on the way.

With this result, Pakistan are now one step away from defending their title. All eyes will be on the U19 Asia Cup final, where the young Green Shirts will look to finish the job.