Pakistan will meet arch-rivals India in the U-19 Asia Cup final on Saturday, after the defending champions beat Bangladesh by nine wickets in a semi-final on Thursday. Fast bowler Rizwanullah was the central figure, and his five-for sent Pakistan into the title clash with the subcontinent rivals. India had already secured their place by beating Afghanistan in the other semi-final.
How Pakistan's bowlers restricted Bangladesh
Pakistan chose to bowl first, and Bangladesh were bowled out for 138 in 31.4 overs. Rizwanullah finished with figures of five for 30 from eight overs, while left-arm pacer Mohammad Sayyam took two for 29. Bangladesh also lost three of their top five batters for single-digit scores, which made it hard for them to build partnerships.
Opener Abdullah Al Muhi offered the only real resistance, scoring 50 off 45 deliveries with four fours and two sixes. His dismissal in the 14th over began a collapse from which Bangladesh did not recover. Pakistan's attack kept the pressure on throughout the innings.
Hayam and Usman complete the chase
Target of 138 proved modest for Pakistan, who reached 141 for one in 21.5 overs. Openers Hayam Khan and Usman Khan put on an opening partnership of 123 runs that set the tone for the chase. Hayam made 69 off 72 balls, with eight fours and a six, before he was dismissed by Robiul Hasan.
Usman Khan stayed unbeaten on 64 from 54 deliveries, hitting seven fours and two sixes. He ended the match with a boundary and a six off consecutive balls. The win extended Pakistan's unbeaten run in the tournament, which already included wins over the United Arab Emirates, India and Nepal in the group stage.
What comes next
The final on Saturday will be a contest between two sides from the subcontinent, and Pakistan have already beaten India once in this tournament. Pakistan go into the final as defending champions with an unbeaten record. Their bowling and opening stand have been the main features of their campaign so far.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- Earlier in the tournament: Pakistan beat the United Arab Emirates, India and Nepal in the group stage.
- Thursday: Pakistan beat Bangladesh by nine wickets in a semi-final, while India beat Afghanistan in the other semi-final.
- Saturday: Pakistan play India in the Under-19 Asia Cup final.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Pakistan U-19 team ne semi-final mein Bangladesh ko nau wicket se haraya, aur Rizwanullah ne paanch wicket liye. Ab team Saturday ko U-19 Asia Cup ke final mein India ke khilaaf khelegi. Dono teams purani rivals hain, is liye ye match cricket ke shaukeen logon ke liye khaas hai.
