DUBAI: Iqbal Hossain Emon’s four-wicket haul, followed by skipper Azizul Hakim’s unbeaten half-century helped Bangladesh defeat Pakistan in the semi-final of the ACC U19 Asia Cup here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Bangladesh will face India, who defeated Sri Lanka in the second semi-final, in the U19 Asia Cup final, scheduled on 8 December at the same venue.
Pakistan U19, who were undefeated in the group stage, were bundled for a meagre 116 while batting first, setting a paltry total, which Bangladesh easily chased in 22.1 overs after losing three wickets.
Bangladesh captain Azizul Hakim played a stellar unbeaten knock of 61 runs from 42 balls with the help of seven boundaries and three sixes.
Mohammad Shihab James was another notable contributor with a 26-run knock from 36 balls. For Pakistan, Ali Raza, Abdul Subhan and Naveed Ahmed Khan managed one wicket each.
Earlier, Bangladesh U19 opted to field first and Maruf Mridha proved the decision right as he did not allow Pakistan’s opening batters to open their accounts, removing them in quick succession.
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With Pakistan struggling at 7-2, Muhammad Riazullah and captain Saad Baig stitched a 42-run stand to put up a fight before Iqbal Hossain Emon removed the latter.
Riazullah also fell prey to Emon after scoring a scratchy 28-run knock from 62 balls, which featured only two boundaries.
Farhan Yousaf top-scored with a run-a-ball 32 with the help of one boundary and three sixes. No other batter could pose much threat against Bangladesh as Pakistan bundled for 116 in 37 overs.
Emon led Bangladesh’s attack with the figures of 4-24, while Mridha took two key wickets. Al Fahad and Debasish Deba bagged one wicket each.
Pakistan U19 Playing XI: Usman Khan, Shahzaib Khan, Muhammad Riazullah, Saad Baig (c)(wk), Naveed Ahmed Khan, Haroon Arshad, Farhan Yousaf, Faham-ul-Haq, Umar Zaib, Abdul Subhan, Ali Raza
Bangladesh U19 Playing XI: Zawad Abrar, Azizul Hakim (c), Kalam Siddiki,
Rizan Hossan, Mohammad Shihab James, Farid Hasan (wk), Debasish Deba, Samiun Basir, Al Fahad, Iqbal Hossain Emon, Maruf Mridha
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