Rizwanullah’s five-for decimates Bangladesh, Pakistan reach ACC U19 Asia Cup final
Rizwanullah’s five-for decimates Bangladesh, Pakistan reach ACC U19 Asia Cup final
BY NAWAZ GOHAR ; Defending champions Pakistan marched into the final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup with an authoritative nine-wicket demolition of Bangladesh in the first semi-final at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat on Thursday.
Powered by a devastating five-wicket haul from right-arm pacer Rizwanullah and a commanding century opening stand between Hayam Khan and Usman Khan, the Green Shirts maintained their unbeaten run in the tournament, setting up a Saturday title clash against the winner of the second semi-final between India and Afghanistan.
Opting to bat first on a lively Muscat surface, Bangladesh found no answers to Pakistan’s disciplined pace attack and were bundled out for a modest 138 in just 31.4 overs.
Rizwanullah proved virtually unplayable with the new and semi-new ball, tearing through the Bangladeshi lineup to finish with superb figures of 5 for 30 in eight overs. Left-arm quick Mohammad Sayyam provided vital support from the other end, claiming 2 for 29 to keep the scoring rate under constant pressure.
Bangladesh’s lone resistance came from opener Abdullah Al Muhi, who struck a counter-attacking 50 off 45 deliveries—laced with four boundaries and two sixes—before Pakistan’s seamers triggered a terminal middle- and lower-order collapse.
Chasing a target of 139, Pakistan’s top order turned the run-chase into a one-sided exhibition, crossing the finish line in just 21.5 overs with nine wickets in hand.
Hayam Khan anchored the innings with a fluent 69 off 72 balls (eight fours, one six), dictating the tempo throughout. Usman Khan complemented him seamlessly, remaining unbeaten on 64 off 54 balls (seven fours, two sixes).
The duo stitched together an imposing 123-run opening partnership that extinguished any hopes of a Bangladeshi comeback well before Hayam fell late in the chase, leaving Usman to apply the finishing touches.
With this victory, Pakistan advance to Saturday's final completely undefeated, having previously swept past the UAE, arch-rivals India, and Nepal during a dominant group-stage campaign.
