Bangladesh secured a commanding 7-wicket victory over Pakistan in the semi-final of the Under-19 Asia Cup on Friday, sealing their spot in the final for the second consecutive time, reports The Business Standard.
As defending champions, they will look to retain their title after a dominant performance that saw them overpower Pakistan with both the bat and the ball.
Pakistan, having won all three of their group-stage matches, were expected to provide a tough challenge, but Bangladesh's bowlers, led by Iqbal Hossain Imon and Maruf Mridha, were in formidable form.
Pakistan was bowled out for just 116 runs, with Imon claiming four wickets in a spell of brilliance.
Pakistan's highest scorer, Farhan Yusuf, managed just 32 runs, and Mohammad Riazullah contributed 28. No other Pakistan batsman reached double figures.
Bangladesh's chase was never under threat, though they did lose two early wickets.
Opener Kalam Siddiqi Allen was dismissed for a duck, and his partner, Jawad Abrar, fell for 17, leaving Bangladesh at 24/2.
However, captain Azizul Hakim Tamim played a calm and composed knock, scoring an unbeaten 62 runs to steer his side home.
Despite losing another wicket along the way, Bangladesh comfortably reached the target in just 22.1 overs.
The Tigers' bowlers, particularly Maruf and Imon, set the tone for the match with tight and aggressive bowling.
Their early breakthroughs left Pakistan struggling to build partnerships, and the young Tigers made no mistakes in seizing control of the game.
Tamim's captaincy has been one of the key factors in the team's success, and his leadership was once again evident in this win.
Having already been in excellent form during the group stage with a century and a half-century, he took charge of the chase with a solid half-century, ensuring Bangladesh would not falter.
The victory secures Bangladesh's place in the final, where they will face India on 8 December.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
