Bangladesh Under-19s crash out of Asia Cup with nine-wicket semi-final loss to Pakistan
Bangladesh's Under-19 team has been knocked out of the Under-19 Asia Cup after a heavy nine-wicket semi-final defeat to Pakistan. At the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman, the young Tigers were bowled out for just 138 under pressure from the Pakistani pace attack in the match that decided a place in the final.
Winning the toss and batting first, Bangladesh lost all their wickets for 138 runs in 31.4 overs. In reply, Pakistan's Under-19 side reached 141 for the loss of just one wicket in 21.5 overs to seal the win.
Bangladesh fell into trouble right at the start of the innings. With the team score on only 4, pacer Mohammad Sayyam made the first breakthrough by removing opener SK Zarif Siam for 1. Kawsar Ahmed then followed for 9, bowled by Sayyam, with the score on 25.
After the two early wickets, opener Abdullah Al Muhi held one end and fought back. Together with captain Farid Hasan, who made 17, he tried to repair the early damage. Muhi scored a team-high 50 off 45 balls with four fours and two sixes. But when Farid Hasan fell at 68 and Ahsan Al Muhin, who made 1, went in the very next over, Bangladesh were under pressure again. When Muhi departed with the score on 98 after completing his half-century, hopes of a big total ended.
Al Rafi, with 20, in the middle order and Rakibul Hossain, with 26, in the lower order tried to offer some resistance, but it was not enough to take the team past 150. Late in the innings, Bangladesh's batting line-up collapsed in the face of pacer Rizwanullah's speed, losing their last five wickets between 111 and 138.
Right-arm pacer Rizwanullah was Pakistan's most successful bowler, taking five wickets on his own for just 30 runs in eight overs. Mohammad Sayyam took two wickets, while Ali Raza, Hasnain Abbas Dar and Ahmed Hossain took one each.
Chasing a target of 139, Pakistan's openers attacked from the start. Hayam Khan scored 69 off 72 balls with eight fours and one six before falling to Rabiul Hasan Anik, but his dismissal caused no problem for his team's victory.
Usman Khan remained unbeaten on 64 off 54 balls with seven fours and two sixes, and Abdul Qadir stayed not out on 8 to take the team home. With this win, Pakistan's Under-19 side has confirmed its place in the final.
