MUSCAT: Pakistan will face arch-rivals India in the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup after both sides won their respective semifinals on Thursday, with fast bowler Rizwanullah leading the defending champions to a ninewicket victory over Bangladesh.
India booked their place in Saturday’s title clash after defeating Afghanistan in the second semi-final, setting up a highly anticipated encounter between the subcontinent rivals.
Pakistan’s march into the final was powered by Rizwanullah’s maiden five-wicket haul, which helped bowl Bangladesh out for 138 in 31.4 overs at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground.
The right-arm pacer returned figures of five for 30 from eight overs, while left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Sayyam claimed two wickets for 29 runs as Pakistan’s bowlers kept Bangladesh in check.
Bangladesh struggled to build partnerships, losing three of their top five batters for single-digit scores. Opener Abdullah Al Muhi provided some resistance with a 50 off 45 deliveries, striking four fours and two sixes, but his dismissal in the 14th over triggered a collapse from which Bangladesh failed to recover.
Pakistan made light work of the modest target, reaching 141 for one in 21.5 overs.
Openers Hayam Khan and Usman Khan laid the foundation for the emphatic chase with a 123-run partnership.
Hayam struck a fluent 69 off 72 balls, hitting eight fours and a six, before falling to Robiul Hasan.
Usman remained unbeaten on 64 from 54 deliveries, his innings featuring seven fours and two sixes.
He finished the contest in emphatic fashion, striking a boundary and a six off consecutive deliveries.
The victory extended Pakistan’s unbeaten run in the tournament. The defending champions had earlier defeated the United Arab Emirates, India and Nepal in the group stage before overcoming Bangladesh in the semi-final.
Pakistan and India will now renew their rivalry in Saturday’s final, with the two sides seeking the continental Under-19 title.
-Agencies