DUBAI: In the U-19 Asia Cup final held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, bowlers put up an incredible display to deliver defending champions Bangladesh a thrilling 59-run triumph over India.
India was dismissed for 139 in 35.2 overs while chasing 199 because none of their players were able to contribute significantly with the bat.
Two times, India lost wickets in quick succession, which hurt their pursuit. They faltered to 24 for two in five overs after losing openers Vaibhav Suryavanshi (nine) and Ayush Mhatre (one).
Keeping the other Indian batters mostly quiet and drying up boundaries and even singles helped Bangladesh, who were in a vulnerable position going into the final, move ahead.
Another pivotal moment in the game came when Rizan Hossan ended C. Andre Siddarth’s charge of 20 off 35 balls in the 12th over.
Iqbal Hossain Emon, a medium-pacer who was named player of the final, quickly took the crucial wickets of Harvansh Pangalia (six), Nikhil Kumar (zero), and K.P. Karthikeya (21).
Hardik Raj’s late 21-ball 24 and Indian captain Mohamed Amaan’s 65-ball 26 were insufficient. With Azizul Hakim taking three wickets for eight runs in his 2.2 overs, India’s demise came quickly.
Farid Hasan’s 39, Mohammad Shihab James’ 40, and Rizan Hossain’s 47 helped Bangladesh to a respectable score earlier after they were called to bat.
The Indian spinners Raj (2-41), Yudhajit Guha (2-29), and Chetan Sharma (2-48) each claimed two wickets.
At the same location, Bangladesh defeated the hosts, the United Arab Emirates, in the final to win the U-19 Asia Cup last year.
