Pakistan on Friday beat Bangladesh by 8 wickets in the Under-19 Asia Cup semi-final, setting up blockbuster clash against arch-rival India in the final, scheduled for Sunday, December 21.
The national team comfortably chased the target of 122 runs, losing just 2 wickets.
The second semi-final of the Under-19 Asia Cup, played in Dubai, was delayed due to rain. Pakistan won the toss and chose to test their bowlers first, inviting Bangladesh to bat.
The Bangladeshi team, in a rain-reduced match of 27 overs per innings, was bowled out for 121 runs in 26.3 overs. From Bangladesh, Samirul Basir scored 33 and Azizul Hakim made 20 runs, while Rafat Baig contributed 14; no other player reached double figures.
For Pakistan, Abdul Subhan delivered a brilliant bowling performance, taking four wickets. Huzaifa Ahsan claimed 2 wickets, while Ali Raza, Muhammad Siyyam, and Ahmed Hussain took one wicket each.
In response, Pakistan comfortably achieved the target of 122 runs in the 17th over, losing only 2 wickets. Samir Minhas remained unbeaten on 69, Osman Khan scored 27, and Ahmed Hussain added 11 runs.
Thus, in the rain-affected second semi-final in Dubai, Pakistan defeated defending champions Bangladesh by 8 wickets to secure a place in the Under-19 Asia Cup final.
The tournament, underway from Dec. 12, features eight teams competing in a 50‑over format across group and knockout stages.
