Pakistan booked their place in the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup with a dominant eight-wicket win over Bangladesh in a rain-reduced semi-final in Dubai. A brilliant bowling performance from Abdul Subhan set the tone, while Sameer Minhas’ composed innings ensured a comfortable chase.
Bangladesh, invited to bat after Pakistan won the toss in the 27-over contest, struggled early as wickets fell regularly. Captain Azizul Hakim and Samiun Basir offered brief resistance, but Subhan tore through the middle order, finishing with figures of 4 for 20. From 55 for 2 in the 13th over, Bangladesh collapsed to 93 for 7, eventually being bowled out for 121 in 26.3 overs. No batter managed to convert a start into a significant score.
Chasing 122, Pakistan faced an early hiccup as opener Hamza Zahoor was dismissed in the first over. However, Minhas took control of the innings, displaying calmness and precision. His unbeaten 69, featuring six fours and two sixes, guided Pakistan to 122 for 2 with 63 balls to spare. This knock also propelled Minhas to the top of the tournament’s run-scorers list, with a tally of 299 runs.
With the win, Pakistan will now face India in the Under-19 Asia Cup final, setting up an exciting clash between two of Asia’s most emerging youth sides.
