Pacer Abdul Subhan starred with the ball as Pakistan bowled out Bangladesh for 121 in the rain-affected second semi-final of the Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai on Friday.
After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bowl in the high-pressure encounter, which was reduced to 27 overs per side due to a rain delay. The decision paid dividends as Pakistan’s bowlers kept Bangladesh under constant pressure throughout the innings.
Bangladesh began with a relatively steady start, with openers Rifat Beg and Zawad Akbar putting on 24 runs for the first wicket. However, both batters were dismissed in quick succession, triggering a collapse in the top order.
Captain Azizul Hakim attempted to stabilize the innings with a brisk 20 off 26 balls. His resistance ended in the 13th over when he fell to Abdul Subhan, who then struck twice more in quick succession to leave Bangladesh struggling at 65/5.
Ahmed Hussain further compounded Bangladesh’s troubles in the following over by dismissing Sheikh Parvez Jibon for nine, reducing the defending champions to 73/6 and firmly swinging momentum in Pakistan’s favour.
All-rounder Samiun Basir provided some late resistance, playing a composed knock of 33 off 37 balls, which included one six and a four. He finished as Bangladesh’s top scorer, helping push the total past the 120-run mark.
Abdul Subhan was the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers, claiming four wickets for just 20 runs in his six overs. He was well supported by Huzaifa Ahsan, who picked up two wickets, while Ali Raza, Mohammad Sayyam, and Ahmed Hussain took one wicket each.
Pakistan had qualified for the semi-finals after winning two of their three group-stage matches against Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates, with their only defeat coming against arch-rivals India.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, entered the semi-final unbeaten, having secured victories over Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal during the group stage.
The match remains a developing story, with further updates to follow as Pakistan begin their chase in pursuit of a place in the final.
