The Bangladesh U-19 cricket team successfully defended their ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup title with a remarkable 59-run victory over India in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium today.
In a low-scoring encounter, the young Tigers showcased exceptional bowling prowess to dismiss India for 139 runs in 35.2 overs, defending a modest total of 198.
Pacer Iqbal Hossain Emon was instrumental in the victory, claiming 3 wickets for 24 runs. Fellow pacer Al Fahad provided valuable support, taking 2 wickets for 34 runs, while skipper Azizul Hakim bowled a stellar spell, capturing 3 wickets for just 8 runs.
After opting to bat first, Bangladesh struggled against India’s formidable bowling attack and were bowled out for 198 runs. Openers Zawad Abrar (20) and Kalam Siddiki (1) fell cheaply, leaving Bangladesh at 41-2. The situation worsened as skipper Azizul Hakim Tamim was dismissed for 16, reducing the side to 66-3 in 18.4 overs.
Rizan Hossain was the top-scorer with 47, while Shihab James contributed 40 runs. Their 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket provided some stability but was eventually broken by Indian off-spinner Ayush Mharte. Contributions from Farid Hasan (39) helped the team edge closer to the 200-run mark.
For India, off-spinner Ayush Mharte (3-36) and left-arm spinner Hardik Raj (2-33) were the pick of the bowlers.
This victory marks Bangladesh’s second consecutive ACC U-19 Asia Cup title. The young Tigers had previously secured their maiden trophy in 2023 with a commanding 195-run win over the UAE in the final at the same venue.
