MUSCAT: Pakistan’s under-19 cricket team stormed into the final of the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2026 on Thursday, thrashing Bangladesh by nine wickets in the first semi-final at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman. The defending champions will now meet India in the title match on Saturday.
Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat, but Pakistan’s bowlers took control from the start. Fast bowler Rizwanullah led the attack with five wickets for 30 runs in his eight overs, and Bangladesh were bowled out for 138 in 31.4 overs.
Mohammad Sayyam supported him with two wickets, while Ali Raza, Hasnain Abbas Dar and Ahmed Hussain took one wicket each. Abdullah Al Muhi was the only Bangladesh batter to pass fifty, scoring 50 off 45 balls, and Rakibul Hossan added 26.
Openers make light work of the chase
Chasing 139, Pakistan’s openers put the result beyond doubt with a commanding stand. Hayam Khan struck 69 off 72 balls, with eight fours and a six, before he was dismissed. Usman Khan remained unbeaten on 64 off 54 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes, as Pakistan reached the target in 21.5 overs for the loss of only one wicket.
The win, completed with more than 28 overs to spare, kept Pakistan unbeaten in the tournament. The young side had already won all its group matches, including a 101-run victory over Nepal earlier in the week that completed a hat-trick of wins.
Rizwanullah’s five-wicket haul was the standout performance of the semi-final and capped a strong all-round display by Pakistan in Oman.
India await in the final
India booked their place in the final by beating Afghanistan in the second semi-final at the same venue on Thursday, setting up a Pakistan versus India title clash on Saturday, November 14.
Matches between the two sides at youth level draw huge interest across the region, and Pakistan will enter the final with momentum after a dominant run. As defending champions, the team will be aiming to retain the Asia Cup title and give the country’s cricket fans another reason to celebrate.
The final adds to a busy week for Pakistan cricket, with the senior side also in action against Sri Lanka in the first Test in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan’s batting and bowling units have both contributed to the team’s unbeaten run, with different players stepping up across the group stage and the semi-final. Both teams now get a day’s rest before the final at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground.
Featured image: Photo: Acabashi / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
