BAN U19 vs PAK U19: Pakistan Crush Bangladesh in Rain-Hit U19 Asia Cup Semi-Final in Dubai
Bangladesh U19’s dream run at the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 ended with an 8‑wicket loss to Pakistan U19 in the second semi-final in Dubai.
The match, reduced by rain, still gave fans a lot to talk about and is now a big topic on social media in Bangladesh.
Match context and importance
The semi-final was played on December 19, 2025, at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, with a place in the final against India U19 on the line.
Bangladesh came into the game full of confidence after topping Group B with three wins from three matches, while Pakistan qualified as the second team from Group A after losing to India in the group stage.
Rain forced the match to be cut to 27 overs per side, which increased the pressure on both teams to score quickly and bowl with discipline.
Pakistan U19 won the toss and chose to field first, putting Bangladesh straight under pressure in slightly overcast conditions.
Bangladesh innings: early collapse
Bangladesh U19 were bowled out for 121 in 26.3 overs, a total that always looked below par even in a shortened game.
The innings never really settled after early wickets, as Pakistan’s bowlers used the new ball well and kept the scoring rate under control.
Key points from Bangladesh’s batting:
Samiun Basir was the top scorer with 33 runs off 37 balls, hitting one four and one six, and tried to hold the innings together in the middle overs.
Wickets fell at regular intervals: Bangladesh were 55 for 3, then slipped to 73 for 6 and finally 121 all out, showing how hard it was for any batter to build a long partnership.
Other batters, including opener Rifat Beg and middle-order players like Sheikh Parvez Jibon and Farid Faysal, got starts but could not convert them into big scores.
Pakistan bowling: Subhan’s four-wicket show
Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Abdul Subhan, produced a strong and disciplined performance.
They mixed pace and length well and did not allow Bangladesh to break free at any stage.
Main bowling highlights:
Abdul Subhan took 4 wickets for 20 runs, earning the Player of the Match award and breaking the backbone of Bangladesh’s middle and lower order.
Huzaifa Ahsan supported well with 2 wickets for just 10 runs, tightening the screws in the middle overs.
The whole attack kept the run rate under 5 an over, which is very effective in a 27‑over match.
Pakistan chase: calm and clinical
Pakistan U19 chased down the 122‑run target with ease, reaching 122 for 2 in only 16.3 overs and winning by 8 wickets with 63 balls to spare.
Even after losing an early wicket at 1 for 1, they never looked under real pressure.
Key moments in the chase:
Sameer Minhas scored a quick 48 off 31 balls, giving Pakistan early momentum with a mix of boundaries and smart rotation of strike.
Usman Khan added 27 off 26 balls, keeping the scoreboard moving and building a solid stand that took the game away from Bangladesh.
Ahmed Hussain finished unbeaten on 11, guiding the team calmly to the target and making sure there were no late surprises.
Reaction in Bangladesh and what’s next
The defeat hurt because Bangladesh U19 had been one of the form teams of the tournament, and fans had high hopes of reaching the final. Social media in Bangladesh has been full of match clips, discussions about the batting collapse, and praise for young players who showed promise in earlier games.
Pakistan U19’s win sends them into the final to face India U19, setting up another high-voltage clash in Dubai. For Bangladesh, the focus now turns to learning from this loss, building on the positives from the group stage, and preparing this promising group of youngsters for future ICC and ACC youth events.