Pakistan Under-19 stormed into the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup after registering a dominant nine-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the semi-final in Muscat. Fast bowler Rizwanullah starred with a maiden five-wicket haul before openers Usman Khan and Hayam Khan guided Pakistan to a comfortable victory.
Chasing a modest target of 139, Pakistan made light work of the Bangladesh bowling attack, reaching 142 for one in just 21.5 overs.
Usman Khan remained unbeaten on 64 off 54 deliveries, smashing seven fours and two sixes. Meanwhile, Hayam Khan produced an impressive knock of 69 off 72 balls, which included eight boundaries and a six.
The opening pair dominated the chase, stitching together a commanding 123-run partnership that effectively sealed the contest for Pakistan.
Hayam eventually departed after holing out off Robiul Hasan, but Usman ensured there were no further setbacks. He finished the match in style, smashing a boundary and a six off consecutive deliveries in the 22nd over.
Rizwanullah's maiden five-wicket haul destroys Bangladesh
Earlier, Bangladesh Under-19 struggled against Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack after opting to bat first.
Pakistan made an excellent start, picking up regular wickets and reducing Bangladesh's top order to three single-digit scores among the top five batters.
Opener Abdullah Al Muhi provided some resistance with a fighting half-century. He scored 51 runs, including four fours and two sixes, but his dismissal in the 14th over triggered a collapse in the Bangladesh batting line-up.
Rizwanullah then dismantled the lower order, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul and preventing Bangladesh from recovering.
Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for just 138 in 31.4 overs, leaving Pakistan with a straightforward target.
Mohammad Sayyam supported Rizwanullah with two wickets, while Ali Raza, Ahmed Hussain and Hasnain Dar picked up one wicket each.
Pakistan set up final clash with India
The convincing victory booked Pakistan's place in the Under-19 Asia Cup final, where they will face arch-rivals India.
India secured their final berth with an eight-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the other semi-final, setting up a highly anticipated India-Pakistan showdown.
With both teams displaying impressive performances in the semi-finals, the title clash promises to be an exciting contest between two of the strongest sides in the tournament.
