Bangladesh Stuns India to Clinch U-19 Asia Cup Title
DUBAI – A brilliant bowling display propelled defending champions Bangladesh to a commanding 59-run victory over India in the U-19 Asia Cup final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. This victory marks Bangladesh’s successful defense of their title, showcasing their dominance in youth cricket.
Match Summary
Bangladesh Innings
After being sent in to bat, Bangladesh posted a modest total of 198 runs in 47.4 overs. Their innings was anchored by key contributions from:
- Rizan Hossain: 47 runs off 70 balls, including 4 boundaries.
- Mohammad Shihab James: A crucial 40 runs off 58 deliveries.
- Farid Hasan: A steady 39 runs from 55 balls.
India’s bowlers kept the Bangladeshi batsmen in check, with Yudhajit Guha (2-29), Chetan Sharma (2-48), and Hardik Raj (2-41) picking up two wickets each. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Bangladesh’s batters fought hard to push the total close to 200, which proved to be more than enough on the day.
India’s Chase
Chasing 199 for victory, India crumbled under the pressure of a disciplined Bangladeshi bowling attack. The Indian batting lineup was dismissed for just 139 runs in 35.2 overs, well short of the target.
- Opening Setback: India lost their openers Vaibhav Suryavanshi (9) and Ayush Mhatre (1) early, slumping to 24/2 within the first five overs.
- Key Dismissals: C. Andre Siddarth’s 20 off 35 balls was the only brief resistance early on, but his dismissal by Rizan Hossain in the 12th over left India struggling at 64/4.
- Middle-Order Collapse: Medium-pacer Iqbal Hossain Emon, who was later named Player of the Final, dismantled India’s middle order. He claimed three vital wickets—K.P. Karthikeya (21), Nikhil Kumar (0), and Harvansh Pangalia (6)—in quick succession.
- Late Resistance: Indian captain Mohamed Amaan fought hard with a gritty 26 off 65 balls, and Hardik Raj added a quick 24 off 21 balls, but it was too little, too late.
Bangladesh’s Azizul Hakim wrapped up the Indian innings with an exceptional spell, taking 3 wickets for just 8 runs in 2.2 overs.
Turning Points
- Disciplined Bowling: Bangladesh’s bowlers dried up the runs, making it difficult for India to build any momentum. Singles and boundaries were hard to come by, putting immense pressure on the Indian batters.
- Iqbal Hossain Emon’s Burst: Emon’s triple-strike in the middle overs turned the game decisively in Bangladesh’s favor.
- Azizul Hakim’s Finish: Hakim’s late burst ensured India had no chance of staging a comeback.
Bangladesh’s Bowling Heroes
- Iqbal Hossain Emon: 3 wickets, Player of the Final.
- Azizul Hakim: 3 wickets for 8 runs.
- Rizan Hossain: 1 key wicket and an all-round performance.
Historical Context
This victory marks Bangladesh’s second consecutive U-19 Asia Cup title. Last year, they defeated hosts UAE in the final at the same venue. The win underscores Bangladesh’s rising dominance in youth cricket and their ability to handle high-pressure matches against top-tier opponents.
Quotes
Mohamed Amaan, Indian Captain: “We were outplayed today. Credit to Bangladesh for their bowling and fielding effort. We need to regroup and learn from this experience.”
Iqbal Hossain Emon, Player of the Final: “I just focused on my strengths and trusted my teammates. Winning this title again is a proud moment for us.”
This victory cements Bangladesh’s status as a formidable force in youth cricket and sets a strong foundation for their players’ future success.
