Young Tigers defend U19 Asia Cup title after beating India
Bangladesh Under-19 players celebrate the wicket of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, ACC
Defending a modest total of 198 runs, the bowlers delivered an exceptional performance, bundling India out for just 139 in 35.2 overs.
Pacer Iqbal Hossain Emon led the charge, claiming three wickets for 24 runs, while Al Fahad provided strong support with figures of 2 for 34. Azizul Hakim also shone with the ball, picking up three wickets for just eight runs in a commanding display.
This victory marked the second consecutive title for the young Tigers, who had previously claimed their maiden trophy at the same venue last year with a dominant 195-run win over hosts UAE in the final.
Bangladesh's innings in the final could have ended even lower, but a crucial 30-run ninth-wicket stand between Farid Hasan and Fahad helped the team reach a total close to 200. The early promise shown by the openers faded after a collapse that left Bangladesh at 167 for 8.
The innings began with a spark when Zawad Abrar opened Bangladesh’s account by hitting a six off Yudhajit Guha in the very first over. However, his opening partner Kalam Siddiki struggled to get going and eventually fell for 1 off 16 deliveries, caught off Yudhajit.
Zawad, who had looked fluent, was dismissed for 20 just as the powerplay ended.
Hakim, who has been the backbone of Bangladesh’s batting with a century and a fifty earlier in the tournament, could not capitalize on his start and departed for 16. His wicket was a significant blow to Bangladesh's batting momentum.
Middle-order batter Mohammad Shihab showed resilience, building hopes of a substantial innings. After scoring 26 in the semifinal, Shihab made a composed 40 in the final before getting out at a crucial juncture. When he fell, Bangladesh were 128 for 4.
The middle and lower order then faltered, losing four wickets for just 39 runs. This collapse included the dismissal of Rizan Hossain, who top-scored with 47. However, the partnership between Farid and Fahad offered a glimmer of hope, pushing Bangladesh close to the 200-run mark. Ultimately, the team was bowled out for 198 in 49.1 overs.