Pakistan skittle Bangladesh for 121 in rain-curtailed U19 Asia Cup semi-final

DUBAI (Dunya News) – Pakistan produced a disciplined bowling display to dismiss Bangladesh for 121 in a rain-hit second semi-final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai on Friday.

The contest was reduced to 27 overs per side following a delayed start caused by rain and a damp outfield. Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf won the toss and chose to bowl, a decision that paid dividends as the bowlers kept tight control from the outset.

Fast bowler Abdul Subhan led the attack with a four-wicket haul, repeatedly breaking partnerships and preventing Bangladesh from building momentum. Support came from the rest of the bowling unit, which maintained consistent lines and lengths to force errors on a surface offering just enough assistance.

Subhan’s prolific spell has kept the Tigers to just 121 in the second semi-final. Is this a straightforward chase for Pakistan, or is there a twist still waiting? #DPWorldMensU19AsiaCup2025 #BANvPAK #ACC pic.twitter.com/QYuzNwx2pq

— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) December 19, 2025

Bangladesh struggled to recover after losing early wickets and were eventually bowled out inside their allotted overs, never managing a sustained stand. The curtailed format placed a premium on scoring quickly, but Pakistan’s bowlers denied any late acceleration.

The semi-final brought together two sides that had enjoyed contrasting journeys to the knockout stage. Pakistan progressed after winning two of their three group matches, recording victories over Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates before suffering their only defeat against India.

Bangladesh, by contrast, entered the semi-final unbeaten, having secured wins against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal in the group stage. That run came to an abrupt halt against a Pakistan attack that executed its plans with precision under pressure.

The match formed part of a busy day in the tournament, with the first semi-final seeing Sri Lanka Under-19 post 138 for eight in their 20 overs against India, setting a target of 139 in a separate rain-affected encounter.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan, Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor, Huzaifa Ahsan, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan, Sameer Minhas.

Bangladesh: Azizul Hakim Tamim (captain), Zawad Abrar, Samiun Basir Ratul, Sheikh Paevej Jibon, Md Abdullah, Farid Hasan Faysal, Kalam Siddiki Aleen, Iqbal Hossain Emon, Rifat Beg, Ahmed Shahriar, Md Shabuj.