Bangladesh's U-19 team secured a dominant five-wicket victory over Nepal in the Youth Asia Cup semi-finals, thanks to an all-round performance by Azizul Hakim Tamim.
On Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh won the toss and invited Nepal to bat. Nepal was bowled out for just 141 runs in 45.4 overs. Akash Tripathi top-scored for Nepal with 43 runs, while Uttam Magar and Abhishek Tiwari contributed 29 runs each. No other batsman managed to reach double figures.
For Bangladesh, Al Fahad, Iqbal Hossain Imon, and Rizan Hossan each took two wickets, while Mohammad Rafiuzzaman Rafi, Saad Islam, and Tamim claimed one wicket apiece.
In reply, Bangladesh got off to a solid start with Zawad Abrar smashing 59 runs off 65 balls. Tamim then played a match-winning knock, scoring an unbeaten 52 runs from 71 balls, to guide the team to victory. Despite losing two quick wickets late in the chase, Bangladesh comfortably reached the target with 128 balls to spare.
Yuvraj Khatri was the standout bowler for Nepal, taking four wickets.
With this victory, Bangladesh secured their place in the semi-finals and will face Sri Lanka in their final group-stage match next Tuesday.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
