Dubai: Abdul Subhan’s four-wicket haul followed by a superb half-century from Samir Minhas helped Pakistan to a commanding eight-wicket win over Bangladesh in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup semi-final on Friday.
Set to 122 all out, the green shirts made light work of the chase as they hit the winning runs with two wickets and 69 balls to spare.
However, the green shirts had a mixed start for the nation as they took out their opener Hamza Zahoor (nil) for just one run in the first over.
After an early setback, Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan dominated Pakistan as they put on a quick 57-ball 85 for the second wicket.
The match-defining partnership culminated in the 11th over when Samiun Basir trapped Usman lbw for 27 off 26 balls with two sixes and several fours.
Sameer was then joined by Ahmed Hussain in the middle and the duo dominated in an unbeaten 36-run partnership to steer Pakistan away.
Sameer scored an unbeaten 69 off 57 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes while Ahmed Hussain scored an unbeaten 11 off 14 balls.
In a match reduced to 27 overs apiece, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousuf won the toss and elected to field first – a decision that paid off as Bangladesh were bowled out for 121 in 26.3 overs.
The Tigers got off to a relatively decent start as openers Rifaat Beg and Jawad Akbar added 24 runs.
Following successive dismissals, skipper Azizul Hakeem made a significant contribution to Bangladesh’s total with 20 off 26 balls.
He eventually fell to Abdul Subhan in the 13th over, who struck twice in quick succession to bring the total to 65/5.
Ahmed Hussain added to Bangladesh’s woes in the next over, dismissing Sheikh Pervez Jibon (nine), as the defending champions slipped further to 73/6.
Following the collapse, all-rounder Samyun Basir took control of Bangladesh’s batting charge and added valuable runs at the back.
He top scored for Bangladesh with 33 off 37 balls with a six and a four.
Subhan was the standout bowler for Pakistan with 4 for 20 in his 6 overs, followed by Husaifa Ahsan with 2 wickets, Ali Raza, Mohammad Syam and Ahmed Hussain claiming a scalp each.