Pakistan Under-19s reached the final of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup with a nine-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first semi-final at Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Thursday.
Bangladesh scored 138, losing all their wickets in 31.4 overs. Fast bowler Rizwanullah took 5/30 in eight overs. Mohammad Sayyam took 2/29, while Ali Raza, Hasnain Dar and Ahmed Hussain took one wicket each. Hamza Zahoor made four dismissals behind the stumps, including three catches and a stumping.
Abdullah Al Muhi top-scored for Bangladesh with 50 off 45 balls. Rakibul Hossan made 26, Ali Rafi 20 and captain Farid Hasan 17. No other batter reached double figures.
Pakistan chased the target in 21.5 overs while losing one wicket. Usman Khan and Hayam Khan put on 123 for the first wicket. Hayam made 69 off 72 balls before Robiul Hasan Anik dismissed him. Usman finished unbeaten on 64 off 54 balls, with seven fours and two sixes. Abdul Qadir hit a six in his unbeaten 8 off five balls.
Pakistan, the defending champions, have not lost in the tournament. The Greenshirts beat India by three wickets in the group stage on 8 November and Nepal by 101 runs in their last group match. Last year, they beat India by 191 runs in the final in Dubai.
India, meanwhile, are on course for the final. In the second semi-final against Afghanistan, they are at 111 without loss while chasing 228. If India finish the chase, Pakistan will meet them in the final on November 14.
