- Pakistan beat Bangladesh by nine wickets in the U19 Asia Cup semi-final in Oman
- Rizwanullah took 5 for 30 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 138
- Hayam Khan (69) and Usman Khan (64*) shared a 123-run opening stand
- Pakistan face India in Saturday's final after India beat Afghanistan
Pakistan have reached the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup after a commanding nine-wicket win over Bangladesh at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Thursday. The defending champions will now meet arch-rivals India in the title clash on Saturday.
India secured their own place in the final by beating Afghanistan in the second semi-final. The result sets up an eagerly awaited meeting between the two subcontinental rivals.
Rizwanullah leads the bowling charge
After choosing to bowl, Pakistan dismissed Bangladesh for 138 in 31.4 overs. Fast bowler Rizwanullah was the pick of the attack, finishing with figures of 5 for 30 from his eight overs.
Bangladesh found it hard to build partnerships. Three of their top five batters were dismissed for single-digit scores, and the other bowlers shared the remaining wickets around Rizwanullah's haul.
Abdullah Al Muhi's fifty not enough
Opener Abdullah Al Muhi offered the only real resistance, top-scoring with 50 off 45 balls, including four fours and two sixes. His dismissal in the 14th over, however, triggered a collapse from which Bangladesh did not recover.
Rakibul Hossain made 26 off 39 balls and All Rafi added 20 off 22. Captain Farid Hasan scored 17, while SK Jarif Siyam, Ahsan Al Mumin and Sheikh Atiqur Rahman managed one run each. Robiul Hasan Anik and Rubay Islam Rizon were dismissed for ducks.
| Team | Score | Overs |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 138 all out | 31.4 |
| Pakistan | 141/1 | 21.5 |
Openers finish the job early
Chasing 139, Pakistan reached 141 for one in just 21.5 overs. Openers Hayam Khan and Usman Khan put together a 123-run partnership that effectively settled the contest.
Hayam struck 69 off 72 balls, with eight fours and a six, before falling to Robiul Hasan. Usman remained unbeaten on 64 off 54 deliveries, with seven fours and two sixes, and ended the chase with a boundary and a six off consecutive balls. Abdul Qadir was unbeaten on eight.
The win extended Pakistan's unbeaten run in the tournament. In the group stage they had beaten the United Arab Emirates, India and Nepal.
Pakistan will face India in the U19 Asia Cup final on Saturday.
Questions and answers
Who will Pakistan play in the U19 Asia Cup final?
Pakistan will play India on Saturday. India reached the final by beating Afghanistan in the other semi-final.
How did Pakistan beat Bangladesh in the semi-final?
Pakistan bowled Bangladesh out for 138, with Rizwanullah taking 5 for 30. They then chased the target for the loss of one wicket in 21.5 overs.
Who were Pakistan's top scorers?
Hayam Khan scored 69 off 72 balls and Usman Khan was unbeaten on 64 off 54 balls. Together they added 123 for the first wicket.
