Bangladesh stormed into the final of the Youth Asia Cup for the second consecutive time with a commanding victory over Pakistan. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, skipper Azizul Hakim Tamim’s decision proved spot on as Bangladesh's pacers dismantled the opposition, restricting Pakistan to a paltry total. Chasing a modest target, Bangladesh achieved the win with ease, marking their third appearance in the tournament’s final. The Young Tigers are now just one win away from defending their title, with India set to be their opponents in the decider.

The match, held at Dubai International Stadium on Friday, saw Pakistan bowled out for just 116 runs in 37 overs. In reply, Bangladesh chased down the target in 22.1 overs with seven wickets in hand. The final will take place on Sunday, December 8, at 11:00 AM local time in Dubai. Remarkably, both Bangladesh and India were runners-up in their respective groups during the tournament’s group stage, while group leaders Pakistan and Sri Lanka failed to progress.

Bangladesh had previously reached the Youth Asia Cup final in 2019, where they suffered a narrow five-run defeat to India. However, they exacted revenge during the last edition by defeating India in the semifinals before clinching their maiden title against the UAE. This time, their mission is clear: to retain the trophy.

Bangladesh’s pacers dominated the proceedings from the outset. Maruf Mridha set the tone in the very first over by dismissing Pakistan opener Usman Khan for a duck. He struck again in his second over, removing Shahzaib Khan. Fellow pacer Iqbal Hossain Emon then joined the attack, breaking the resistance by dismissing Pakistan captain Saad Baig for 18 runs and later scalping Mohammad Riazullah for 28. The only notable contribution for Pakistan came from Farhan Yusuf, who scored 32 off 32 balls before being dismissed by Debashish Sarkar. None of the other batters managed to cross double digits.

Iqbal Hossain Emon was the standout performer with the ball, taking four wickets for 24 runs in his seven overs. Maruf Mridha also impressed with figures of 2 for 23 in six overs.

In pursuit of the modest target, Bangladesh made a cautious start but lost opener Kalam Siddique for a duck in the seventh over. Captain Tamim then anchored the innings with support from his teammates. Despite losing opener Jawad (17) soon after, Tamim formed a crucial 57-run partnership with Shihab James. Shihab contributed 26 before departing, but by then, the game was well within Bangladesh’s grasp. Tamim sealed the victory in style, smashing an unbeaten 61 off 42 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. Rizan Hossain accompanied him in completing the formalities.

Meanwhile, in the second semifinal held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, India comfortably defeated Sri Lanka to secure their place in the final. Batting first, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 173 runs. India chased down the target in 21.4 overs, thanks to a scintillating performance by 13-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who recently signed with Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming IPL season. Suryavanshi smashed 67 off 36 balls, featuring six fours and five sixes. Contributions from Mahatre (34), skipper Mohammad Aman (25), and Andre Siddharth (22) ensured a smooth victory for India.

The much-anticipated final between Bangladesh and India promises to be a thrilling encounter. While India boasts a rich history in the tournament, Bangladesh will aim to cement their dominance and retain the title.