Iqbal Hossain Emon and Azizul Hakim delivered stunning three-wicket hauls, helping Bangladesh defend a modest target of 198 and secure a 59-run victory against India in the U-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai. With this win, Bangladesh successfully retained their title, outplaying their arch-rivals in a match defined by disciplined bowling and clutch performances.
Bangladesh’s Struggles with the Bat
Opting to bat first, Bangladesh faced early setbacks as Indian pacer Yudhajit Guha dismissed opener Kalam Siddiki for just 1. Zawad Abrar attempted to build momentum with a quick 20, which included two fours and a six, but fell to a sharp catch behind off Chetan Sharma. Captain Azizul Hakim followed shortly after, leaving Bangladesh precariously placed at 66 for 3 in the 19th over.
A crucial partnership between Mohammad Shihab James and Rizan Hossan added 62 runs for the fourth wicket, temporarily steadying the innings. James contributed 40 runs before falling to Ayush Mhatre in the 32nd over. Eight balls later, Debasish Deba was dismissed, and Raj clean-bowled Hossan for a vital 47. A middle-order collapse saw Bangladesh crumble to 167 for 8 by the 42nd over.
Farid Hasan and Maruf Mridha managed a critical 30-run partnership for the ninth wicket, pushing Bangladesh to a respectable 198 before being bowled out in the final over.
India’s Disastrous Chase
India never looked comfortable in their chase. Fahad struck early, dismissing Mhatre in the second over, while the young Vaibhav Suryavanshi departed in the fifth after hitting two boundaries. India’s woes deepened as Siddharth was removed by Hossan, leaving them at 44 for 3 in the 12th over.
A brief 29-run partnership between captain Mohamed Amaan and Karthikeya offered some hope. However, Emon’s introduction turned the tide. The medium pacer dismantled the middle order, dismissing Karthikeya and Nikhil Kumar within two balls and later removing Harvansh Pangalia. His devastating spell left India reeling at 81 for 6 in the 23rd over.
Fahad added to India’s misery by dismissing Kiran Chormale, earning wicketkeeper Farid Hasan his fourth catch. With India struggling at 92 for 7, Amaan and Raj attempted to rebuild. But Azizul Hakim’s fiery spell ended Amaan’s resistance in the 32nd over, effectively sealing India’s fate.
Hakim cleaned up the remaining batters, completing a three-wicket haul and sparking celebrations in the Bangladesh camp as India were bowled out for 139 in 35.2 overs.
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Emon and Hakim Shine
Emon (3-24) and Hakim (3-8) were instrumental in dismantling India’s batting lineup, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. Their disciplined bowling, coupled with crucial partnerships in the lower order, ensured Bangladesh’s dominance in the high-stakes final.
A Triumph for Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s victory in the U-19 Asia Cup final not only reaffirmed their supremacy in the competition but also highlighted their young players’ grit and talent. By retaining the title against a strong Indian side, Bangladesh has once again proven its rising stature in youth cricket, with Emon and Hakim emerging as heroes of the day.
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