Bangladesh Under-19 team secured a dominant seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the semifinals of the ACC U-19 Asia Cup in Dubai on Friday. 

They will now face India, who defeated Sri Lanka in the other semifinal, in the final.

Opting to bat first after losing the toss, Pakistan U-19 was bowled out for just 116 runs in 37 overs. Bangladesh pacer Maruf Mridha struck early, dismissing both openers, Usman Khan and Shahzaib Khan, for ducks in quick succession.

A 42-run stand between Mohammad Riazullah (28 off 65) and captain Saeed Baig briefly steadied Pakistan’s innings before Iqbal Hossain Emon broke the partnership, catching Baig off Maruf's bowling. Emon continued his brilliant spell, removing Riazullah soon after.

Pakistan struggled to recover as wickets fell at regular intervals. Farhan Yusuf offered some resistance, scoring 32 runs off 32 balls, but was dismissed by Debashish Deba. Emon finished with impressive figures of 4/24 in seven overs, while Maruf and Al Fahad shared the remaining wickets.

Chasing 117, Bangladesh had a shaky start, losing opener Kalam Siddique for a 14-ball duck and Jawad Abrar for 17 runs off 25 balls. With the score at 28/2, the team felt some pressure.

However, skipper Azizul Hakim Tamim and Shihab James built a crucial 57-run partnership, stabilizing the chase. Shihab departed after scoring 26 off 36 balls, but Tamim took charge, smashing an unbeaten 61 runs off 42 balls with seven fours and three sixes.

Bangladesh reached the target in just 22.1 overs, securing their spot in the final. The championship decider against India promises to be an exciting clash.

BDST: 1731 HRS, DEC 06, 2024
MSK