NN Online:
The under-19 cricket team of Bangladesh clinched their second ACC Under-19 Asia Cup title with a stunning 59-run victory over India in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Before facing India in the final, Bangladesh won over Pakistan to book their spot in the title clash. Defeating two cricketing giants in back-to-back matches to claim the championship added an extra layer of pride for the junior Tigers.
The win is a milestone for Bangladesh, defeating the most successful team in the competition’s history to secure the trophy. Bangladesh’s first Asia Cup win came last year when they beat the hosts United Arab Emirates in 2023.
Iqbal Hossain Emon, and Azizul Hakim were the stars of Bangladesh as they claimed three wickets each while defending a total of 198 runs.
Electing to bat first, Bangladesh posted 198 in 49.1 overs. Rizan Hossan top-scored with a steady 47 off 65 balls, while Mohammad Shihab James (40) and Farid Hasan (39) provided crucial contributions, despite losing wickets on a regular basis.
Yudhajit Guha, Hardik Raj, and Chetan Sharma bagged two wickets each.
Chasing 199, India struggled against disciplined Bangladeshi bowling. Al Fahad struck early, dismissing opener Ayush Mhatre in the second over.
Middle-order resistance came from captain Mohamed Amaan (26) and Hardik Raj (24), but wickets tumbled at regular intervals. Azizul Hakim and Iqbal Hossain Emon each claimed three scalps, while Al Fahad added two wickets to his tally. India’s innings folded for 139 in 35.2 overs.
India had dominated this tournament, entering the final as eight-time champions – the most by any team. With their victory, Bangladesh now stands alone as the only other nation to have won the title more than once.
