Pakistan crush Bangladesh’s title hopes again

Junior Tigers’ dream of reclaiming the Under-19 Asia Cup title ended in another semi-final heartbreak as Pakistan crushed the defending champions’ hopes with a commanding nine-wicket victory in Al Amerat, Oman, on Thursday.

Bangladesh were bundled out for just 138 in the semi-final at Al Amerat’s Turf 2 before Pakistan chased down the target with 169 balls to spare, booking their place in the final in emphatic fashion.

It was Bangladesh’s second successive semi-final exit, both times at the hands of Pakistan. After winning back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, the Young Tigers were knocked out by Pakistan in the 2025 semi-final in Dubai, where they suffered an eight-wicket defeat.

The junior green and red side had a mixed campaign this time around. They began their Group B campaign with a crushing 113-run defeat to Afghanistan but bounced back to beat Sri Lanka by 45 runs and secure a semi-final berth as group runners-up.

However, they had no answer to Pakistan’s pace attack in the last-four clash.

Right-arm pacer Rizwanullah spearheaded Pakistan’s demolition job, claiming five wickets for 30 runs to trigger Bangladesh’s batting collapse. Opener Abdullah Al Muhi was the only batter to offer substantial resistance, top-scoring with 50 off 54 balls, including four fours and two sixes.

Chasing 139, Pakistan’s openers made light work of the target, putting together a commanding 123-run stand off just 124 deliveries.

Although Hayam Khan departed after scoring 69 off 72 balls, another opener, Usman Khan remained unbeaten on 64 off 54 deliveries to guide Pakistan home with nine wickets in hand.

Robiul Islam Anik claimed the only Pakistani wicket to fall, finishing with figures of 1-22.

In the other semi-final, India cruised to an eight-wicket victory over Afghanistan to set up an all-Asian showdown with Pakistan in the final on 14 November.