Subhan, Minhas Power Pakistan into Under-19 Asia Cup Final

Pakistan booked their place in the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh in a rain-affected semi-final on Tuesday, courtesy of a dominant bowling display led by Abdul Subhan and a composed chase anchored by Sameer Minhas.

Opting to field after winning the toss in the reduced 27-overs-a-side contest, Pakistan struck early to put Bangladesh under pressure. The Bangladeshi top order faltered as they slipped to 24 for 2 inside the first six overs. Captain Azizul Hakim attempted to steady the innings, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.

Fast bowler Abdul Subhan proved decisive, ripping through the middle order with figures of 4 for 20. From a relatively stable 55 for 2 in the 13th over, Bangladesh collapsed dramatically, losing five wickets for just 38 runs to slide to 93 for 7. The lower order failed to mount a recovery, and Bangladesh were bowled out for 121 in 26.3 overs, with no batter able to convert a start into a substantial score.

Pakistan’s reply was equally clinical. Although opener Hamza Zahoor was dismissed in the first over, Sameer Minhas ensured there were no further setbacks. Showing maturity beyond his years, Minhas played a calm and authoritative innings, finishing unbeaten on 69. His knock included six fours and two sixes, guiding Pakistan to 122 for 2 with 63 balls remaining.

The innings also cemented Minhas’ status as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, taking his tally to 299 runs.

With this emphatic win, Pakistan advanced to the final, where they will face arch-rivals India, who defeated Sri Lanka in the first semi-final earlier in the day.