Pakistan booked their place in the Under-19 Asia Cup final with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh in a rain-affected semi-final in Dubai, setting up a much-anticipated title clash against India.
After winning the toss in the shortened 27-overs-a-side contest, Pakistan opted to bowl and immediately seized control. Bangladesh were rocked early, slumping to 24 for 2 inside the first six overs, and despite a brief effort to stabilise the innings from captain Azizul Hakim, the pressure never eased.
Abdul Subhan led a ruthless bowling display, slicing through Bangladesh’s middle order with a four-wicket haul. From a relatively steady 55 for 2, Bangladesh unravelled dramatically, losing five wickets for just 38 runs to slide to 93 for 7. The lower order offered little resistance, and Bangladesh were eventually dismissed for 121 in 26.3 overs, with no batter able to build a substantial innings.
Chasing a modest target, Pakistan were barely troubled. Opener Hamza Zahoor fell in the first over, but that proved to be the only moment of concern. Sameer Minhas then took charge with a mature and assured innings, guiding the chase with an unbeaten 69. Mixing composure with timely aggression, he struck six boundaries and cleared the ropes twice as Pakistan reached 122 for 2 with more than 10 overs to spare.
Minhas’ knock also cemented his outstanding tournament, lifting his aggregate to 299 runs and making him the leading run-scorer of the competition.
With a dominant bowling effort followed by a clinical chase, Pakistan head into the final brimming with confidence, where a high-stakes showdown with India awaits to decide the Under-19 Asia Cup champions.
