U-19 Asia Cup 2024: Iqbal Hossain, Azizul Hakim star as Bangladesh rock Pakistan by 7 wickets to set final date with India

Defending champions Bangladesh notched an emphatic seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the semi-final of the Under-19 Asia Cup on Friday, December 6.

Bangladesh storm into U-19 Asia Cup final after dominant win over Pakistan

With this Bangladesh have sealed their spot in the final for the second consecutive year. Bangladesh will have their sights set on the title, especially after putting on a strong performance to outclass Pakistan with both bat and ball.

Despite Pakistan's impressive group stage record, winning all three of their matches, Iqbal Hossain Imon-led Bangladesh's bowlers proved too strong for Pakistan.

Iqbal Hossain Imon's fantastic four-fer for Bangladesh

Pakistan's batting lineup was completely dismantled by Bangladesh's bowlers, especially Iqbal Hossain Imon, who was the wrecker-in-chief. They were bundled out for a meager 116 runs, with Imon claiming four wickets.

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Farhan Yusuf was Pakistan's top scorer with 32 runs, followed by Mohammad Riazullah with 28. No other Pakistani batter could reach double figures.

Bangladesh's chase was relatively straightforward, despite losing two early wickets. Both the openers Kalam Siddiqi Allen and Jawad Abrar fell cheaply to leave Bangladesh at 24/2 at one point. While Kalam Siddiqi Allen was dismissed for a duck, his partner Jawad Abrar fell for 17. But Azizul Ahakim Tamim led Bangladesh from the front with his unbeaten knock of 62 runs. Despite losing another wicket, Bangladesh comfortably chased down the target in just 22.1 overs.

The Tigers' bowlers, especially Maruf and Imon, set the tone for the match with their tight and aggressive bowling. Their early breakthroughs put Pakistan under immense pressure, and the young Tigers capitalized on the opportunity to take control of the game.

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Tamim's captaincy has been instrumental in the team's success, and his leadership was once again evident in this victory. Having already impressed in the group stage with a century and a half-century, Tamim took charge of the chase with a solid half-century, ensuring Bangladesh's progress to the final. This dominant win has confirmed Bangladesh's place in the final but the defending champions will have a task cut out in the title clash where they will meet the formidable India on on December 8.

Earlier, India comfortably defeated Sri Lanka by seven wickets after chasing down the lowly target of 174 runs with 170 balls to spare.