Oman (Sports Report): Rizwanullah’s five-wicket haul helped Pakistan beat Bangladesh by nine wickets in the first semi-final to qualify for the final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Oman. Defending champions Pakistan will face either India or Afghanistan in the final scheduled on Saturday, with the two sides currently playing the second semi-final.
Batting first at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat, Bangladesh were bowled out for 138 in 31.4 overs, courtesy of right-arm pacer Rizwanullah’s figures of five for 30 in eight overs. Left-arm pacer Mohammad Sayyam took two wickets for 29 runs for Pakistan.
For Bangladesh, opening batter Abdullah Al Muhi scored a 45-ball 50, which included four fours and two sixes.
In turn, Pakistan achieved the target in 21.5 overs, losing just one wicket. Hayam Khan top-scored with 69 off 72 balls, including eight fours and a six. He knitted a 123-run opening partnership with Usman Khan, who remained unbeaten on 64 off 54 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes.
Pakistan remain unbeaten in the tournament, having beaten UAE, India and Nepal in the group stage.
Scores in brief
Bangladesh 138 all out, 31.4 overs (Abdullah Al Muhi 50; Rizwanullah 5-30, Mohammad Sayyam 2-29)
Pakistan 141-1, 21.5 overs (Hayam Khan 69, Usman Khan 64)
Player of the match – Rizwanullah (Pakistan U19)
