KUALA LUMPUR – Pakistan on Thursday qualified for the final of Under-19 Asia Cup in Malaysia by beating Bangladesh in the first semi-final under Duck worth–Lewis (D/L) method.
Batting first Bangladesh set Pakistan a 274-run target. Pakistan secured the place in the final by achieving the revised target of 199 runs in 39 overs for the loss of five wickets.
The Pakistan Cricket Board applauded the team on Twitter.
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
Match Highlights
Pakistan’s Mohammad Taha top scored with a responsible 92 that saw Pakistan home in a tense chase at Royal Selangor Club Mont Kiara, Malaysia. After opting to bowl, keeping in mind the forecast of the day, Pakistani bowlers went for runs in the first quarter of the Bangladesh innings.
However, 17-year-old pacer Shaheeh Shah Afridi gave Pakistan the first breakthrough after Mohammad Naim edged to the keeper for 14. Pinak Gosh and Saif Hassan got together for a solid stand of 105 runs for the third wicket milking the spinners in the process. However, Munir Riaz bowled brilliantly in his return spell to claim three important wickets and sucking the life out of Bangladesh batting. Hassan Khan, who shot to fame with a stint for Quetta Gladiators in the last PSL, bowled economically for his nine overs.
A hard-fought half-century from Afif Hossain and valuable contributions from the lower order took Bangladesh to a reasonable total of 274. With Pakistan known for showing nerves while chasing big totals, this was supposedly a fighting total.
Pakistan’s top order has not fired throughout the tournament, and the weakness was on show as they lost Muhammad Arif for just 4. They lost wickets at regular intervals and were slumped to 51-3 when all-rounder Mohammad Taha and wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir got together for a match-saving partnership. Nazir went for a well placed 26, but Saad Khan, another promising all-rounder joined Taha in a match-winning act.
Taha eventually got out for 92, but not before steering his side to safety. Soon, rain came and Pakistan were found just ahead of the DLS par score.
Pakistan will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Afghanistan and Nepal, on November 19 (Sunday).
