Pakistan U19 secured a spot in the ICC U19 World Cup semi-finals with an impressive unbeaten run, triumphing over Bangladesh U19 in a nail-biting encounter at Willowmoore Park, Benoni.
The young Pakistani pace attack dismantled Bangladesh’s U19 batting order, restricting them to 150 runs after Pakistan had set a target of 155 in the first innings.
Winning the toss, Bangladesh U19 opted to bowl first, challenging Pakistan U19 to set a competitive total. The opening duo of Shamyl Hussain and Shahzaib Khan contributed a solid 37-run partnership, but Rohanat Doullah Borson’s breakthroughs kept the pressure on.
Despite notable contributions from Shahzaib (26, 67b, 3x4s), the middle order faced setbacks with Saad Baig, Azan Awais, and Ahmad Hassan falling in quick succession.
At 89-6 in 26.2 overs, a resilient partnership between Ali Asfand and Arafat Minhas added crucial runs, but Sheikh Paevez Jibon’s bowling prowess broke the stand.
Eventually, Pakistan U19 posted a total of 155 in 40.4 overs, with Jibon and Borson claiming four-wicket hauls, and skipper Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby taking one wicket.
In response, Pakistan U19’s Ubaid Shah made a stunning impact, dismissing key batters early on, including a remarkable five-wicket haul for 44 runs in his 10 overs.
Despite a fightback from Mohammad Shihab James and skipper Rabby, Pakistan’s Ali Raza and Azan’s brilliant fielding efforts brought crucial breakthroughs.
Ubaid’s performance earned him the well-deserved player of the match award, with Ali Raza securing three wickets and Mohammad Zeeshan adding one.
The last-wicket partnership from Bangladesh U19, led by Borson’s unbeaten 21 from 24 balls, posed a threat, but right-arm pacer Zeeshan sealed the victory by dismissing Maruf Mridha.
With this win, Pakistan U19 advances to the semi-finals, where they will face Australia U19 on 8 February at Willowmoore Park. The toss is scheduled for 12:30 PM PKT, with the first ball set to be bowled at 1:00 PM PKT, promising an exciting clash in the upcoming semi-final showdown.
