Bangladesh Under-19 cricket team made history by successfully defending their ACC U-19 Men's Asia Cup title, defeating India by 59 runs in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
This victory marks their second consecutive Asia Cup win, a historic achievement for the Young Tigers.
Bangladesh, who were put in to bat first, faced early setbacks with both openers, Kalam Siddiqui Alam and Zawad Abrar, departing for low scores. Alam struggled to score just 1 off 16 balls, while Abrar contributed 20 off 35 deliveries before being dismissed by Chetan Sharma. Bangladesh’s top order faltered as Azizul Hakim was dismissed for 16, leaving the team at a precarious 66-3.
However, Mohammad Shihab James and Md Rizan Hossan steadied the ship with a crucial 62-run partnership. James contributed 40 runs off 67 balls before being dismissed by Ayush Mahtre, while Rizan Hossan scored a valuable 47 off 65 balls before being bowled out by Hardik Raj.
Farid Hasan Faysal provided some late fireworks, smashing 39 off 49 balls to help Bangladesh reach 198 in their allotted 50 overs.
In response, India’s chase got off to a rocky start, with Ayush Mahtre falling cheaply to Al Fahad. Maruf Mridha then dismissed Vaibhav Suryavanshi, leaving India in deep trouble at 41-2. Despite a brief resistance from Andre Siddharth and Karthikeya, Bangladesh’s bowlers continued to dominate. Rizan Hossan dismissed Siddharth, while Iqbal Hossain Emon accounted for Karthikeya.
India’s chase faltered further as they slipped to 92-7, and although their lower order tried to fight back, Bangladesh’s skipper Azizul Hakim Miraz took control, removing the dangerous Hardik Raj with a spectacular delivery. India was left reeling at 124-9, needing another 75 runs to win.
Bangladesh’s bowlers held their nerve, and the final wicket was taken by Azizul Hakim, sealing a 59-run victory and confirming Bangladesh’s status as the dominant force in U-19 cricket in the region.
