Rizwanullah Takes Five as Pakistan Thrash Bangladesh to Reach Under-19 Asia Cup Final
Fast bowler Rizwanullah picked up his maiden five-wicket haul in youth international cricket to lead defending champions Pakistan Under-19 into the final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026. Pakistan crushed Bangladesh Under-19 by nine wickets in the first semi-final at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Thursday.
Rizwanullah’s spell restricted Bangladesh to 138 runs in their innings. Pakistan openers Hayam Khan and Usman Khan then struck half-centuries to mow down the target in swift fashion, dropping just a single wicket to book a spot in the summit clash.
Rizwanullah tears through Bangladesh in Muscat
Opting to bowl in the morning session at Al Amerat, Pakistan tore through the Bangladesh batting line-up early. Fast bowler Rizwanullah did the maximum damage, finishing with figures of 5 for 30 in his overs. It was his maiden five-for in U19 Asia Cup history, breaking key partnerships whenever Bangladesh tried to rebuild.
Off-spinner Sayyam backed up the paceworker from the other end, taking 2 wickets for 29 runs to keep the pressure on the middle order. Bangladesh batter Muhi offered the sole major resistance, scoring 50 to reach his half-century. Middle-order batter Rakibul added 26 runs, but Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals before being bowled out for 138.
Openers Hayam and Usman seal nine-wicket win
Chasing 139 for a place in the final, Pakistan’s opening pair made short work of the target. Hayam Khan scored 68 runs, while Usman Khan remained unbeaten on 64 runs off the Bangladesh attack.
The duo put together a dominant opening partnership that effectively ended Bangladesh’s hopes of defending their total. Bowler Robiul claimed the only wicket for Bangladesh, finishing with figures of 1 for 22, but Pakistan reached 141 for 1 with overs to spare to complete a nine-wicket victory.
Blockbuster final against India set for Muscat
Thursday’s win keeps Pakistan’s title defense intact. The team will face arch-rivals India in the final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 after India won their respective semi-final fixture on Thursday.
Both teams advance to the final after topping their groups and winning their semi-final clashes in Muscat. The summit match will be held at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground.
Match summary from Al Amerat
| Team | Score | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh U19 | 138 all out | Muhi 50, Rakibul 26; Rizwanullah 5-30, Sayyam 2-29 |
| Pakistan U19 | 141/1 (9 wickets) | Hayam Khan 68, Usman Khan 64*; Robiul 1-22 |
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