The much-anticipated semi-final between Bangladesh U-19 and Pakistan U-19 at the Seven Stadium in Dubai was heavily disrupted by rain on Friday, reports the Daily Sun.
Scheduled to begin at 11:00 am Bangladesh time, the match eventually saw the toss take place nearly four hours later once conditions improved.
Pakistan won the delayed toss at around 3:00 pm and elected to field first, sending Bangladesh in to bat.
Due to the rain-related loss of playing time, the match has been reduced to a curtailed contest, with both sides allotted 27 overs per innings. Officials confirmed that the revised format aims to ensure a competitive game despite the interruptions.
There remains added intrigue surrounding the outcome should further rain interfere. Under ICC regulations for one-day matches, a minimum of 20 overs per innings is required for a result to be declared. If that requirement is not met and the match is abandoned, Bangladesh will advance to the final by virtue of finishing as group champions, having topped the standings in the group stage.
Rizan Hossan, Shahriar Ahmed, and Shahria Al Amin have been dropped from the playing XI, in their place, Mohammad Abdullah, Sheikh Parvez Hossain Jibon, and pacer Mohammad Sobuj have been given the opportunity against Pakistan.
Bangladesh XI: Zawad Abrar, Rifat Beg, Azizul Hakim Tamim, Kalam Siddiki, Mohammad Abdullah, Sheikh Parvez Jibon, Farid Hasan, Samiun Basir Ratul, Saad Islam, Mohammad Sobuj, and Iqbal Hossain Emon.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
