Pakistan edge out Bangladesh to reach U-19 Youth Asia Cup final

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan has qualified for the final of under-19 Youth Asia Cup by defeating Bangladesh in the first semi-final under Duck worth–Lewis (D/L) method played at the Kinrara Academy Oval, Kuala Lumpur.

Bangladesh, while being put to bat after Pakistan won the toss, set a target of 275 runs. In pursuit of the target, Pakistan lost three wickets for just 51 runs. The top three batsmen, Muhammad Arif , Abdullah Shafique and Muhammad Mohsin Khan could only score 4 (6), 10 (12) and 22 (35) respectively.

However, Mohammad Taha and Rohail Nazir looked to stabilize the situation for their team as they contributed 69 runs together before the latter one got out after scoring 26 (47).

Taha had another handy stand of 77 runs with Saad Khan before he got out on 92 (97).

Bangladesh had a decent start as the two openers, Pinak Ghosh and Mohammad Naim, scored 51 runs together.

Naim was the first batsman to get out on a score 14 (25). Whereas, Ghosh remained on the crease and went on to build another solid partnership of 105 runs with the skipper, Saif Hussain, who fell after scoring 61 (78).

Pakistan reach ACC U19 Youth Asia Cup final in Malaysia by beating Bangladesh on D/L method in the first semi-final. Well done Boys in Green! pic.twitter.com/oZ6v0vofH4

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) November 16, 2017

Afterwards, Bangladesh started losing wickets on regular intervals as Ghosh got out on 82 (93), followed by Aminul Islam and Mahidul Islam Ankon. Bangladesh went from 171/3 to 224/6.

Atif Hossain’s 52 (55) and Nayeem Hasan’s 22 (15) took Bangladesh to a respectable total of 274/6 in 50 overs.

In the rain-affected game, the par score in 39 overs was 198 runs, whereas, Pakistan ended at 199/5 that gave the green team a victory by 2 runs.

Defending champions India already knocked out

In a match on November 14, Bangladesh had knocked out defending champions India.  India were once again at the receiving end as Bangladesh chased down their target of 188 with eight wickets and four overs to spare.

India’s under-19 team is coached by veteran Test player Rahul Dravid.

Pakistan will take on the winner of the semi-final between Nepal and Afghanistan on November 19.