Subhan, Sameer Power Pakistan into U19 Asia Cup Final
DUBAI: A superb all-round performance saw Pakistan cruise into the final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup after crushing Bangladesh by eight wickets in the semi-final at The Sevens on Friday.
Abdul Subhan laid the foundation with a brilliant four-wicket spell, while Sameer Minhas followed it up with an attacking half-century to make the chase a formality for the Green Shirts.
Chasing a modest target of 122 in a match curtailed to 27 overs per side, Pakistan wrapped up the contest with ease, reaching the target with eight wickets in hand and 69 balls remaining.
Pakistan’s reply began on a shaky note as opener Hamza Zahoor was dismissed for a duck in the very first over with just one run on the board. However, the early hiccup had little impact on the overall outcome.
Sameer Minhas then took control of the innings alongside Usman Khan, and the pair dominated the Bangladesh attack with an aggressive 85-run stand for the second wicket in just 57 balls. The partnership was broken in the 11th over when Usman was adjudged lbw off Samiun Basir after scoring a brisk 27 from 26 deliveries, including two fours and two sixes.
Sameer continued to dictate terms after being joined by Ahmed Hussain, as the duo calmly guided Pakistan home. They added an unbroken 36 runs for the third wicket to seal a comprehensive victory.
Sameer remained unbeaten on 69 from 57 balls, striking six boundaries and two maximums, while Ahmed Hussain chipped in with an unbeaten 11 off 14 deliveries.
Earlier, Pakistan skipper Farhan Yousaf won the toss and chose to bowl, a move that paid rich dividends as Bangladesh were dismissed for 121 in 26.3 overs.
Bangladesh made a reasonable start through openers Rifat Beg and Zawad Akbar, who added 24 runs before both fell in quick succession. Captain Azizul Hakim attempted to steady the innings with a quick 20 off 26 balls but was removed by Abdul Subhan in the 13th over.
Subhan then ripped through the middle order, claiming two more wickets to reduce Bangladesh to 65/5. The pressure continued to mount as Ahmed Hussain struck in the following over, sending Sheikh Parvez Jibon back for nine and leaving the defending champions reeling at 73/6.
Samiun Basir provided some resistance towards the end, top-scoring for Bangladesh with a fighting 33 from 37 deliveries, which included one six and a four.
For Pakistan, Abdul Subhan was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 20 in six overs. Huzaifa Ahsan grabbed two wickets, while Ali Raza, Mohammad Sayyam and Ahmed Hussain picked up one each to complete a dominant bowling display.
