Bangladesh Beats Pakistan by 7 Wickets to Reach U-19 Asia Cup Final

In the first semi-final of the Under-19 Asia Cup, Bangladesh secured a dominant 7-wicket victory over Pakistan to reach the final. Pakistan was bowled out for just 116 runs, thanks to fiery pace bowling from Iqbal Hossain Imon and Maruf Mridha. Bangladesh then chased down the modest target with ease, achieving the required runs in just 33.1 overs with 167 balls to spare. Captain Azizul Hakim Tamim played a spectacular knock to lead the team to victory.

The final, scheduled for December 8 in Dubai, will see Bangladesh face India, who defeated Sri Lanka by 7 wickets in the second semi-final to become the first team to qualify for the final. The defending champions, Junior Tigers, are now on the verge of securing another title.

In the semi-final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan won the toss but was asked to bat by Bangladesh's captain, Azizul Hakim Tamim. The decision was immediately vindicated by Maruf Mridha, who struck in his first over by dismissing Usman Khan for a duck in the 4th delivery.

Maruf struck again in his next over, removing another Pakistani opener. Despite a few small innings in the middle order, Pakistan's batting collapsed under pressure from Bangladesh's pace bowlers. Only four batters managed to reach double figures, and Pakistan was all out for 116 runs in 37 overs. Iqbal Hossain Imon was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for 24 runs in 7 overs, while Maruf Mridha claimed 2 wickets for 23 runs.

In response, Bangladesh lost opener Kalam Siddiqui for a duck, as he was dismissed after facing just 14 balls. The other opener, Zawad Abrar, contributed 17 runs before being dismissed. However, captain Azizul Hakim Tamim anchored the chase with a brilliant knock, driving the Pakistani bowlers to the backfoot.

Shihab James, who joined Tamim, made 26 runs before getting caught, and Bangladesh lost their third wicket at 85 runs. Tamim reached his fifty off just 40 balls, hitting a six off Ali Raza to celebrate the milestone. He finished off the match with a boundary, leading Bangladesh to a comfortable 7-wicket victory, and ensuring their spot in the Under-19 Asia Cup final.