As Bangladesh’s hopes crumbled, Pakistan sensationally scored 155 points and won by 5 points.
ESPNcricinfo Staff
Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by five points in a thrilling low-scoring match on Saturday to book their place in the final semi-final of the U-19 World Cup. India will play South Africa in the semi-finals on February 6, while Pakistan will play Australia on February 8 in Benoni.
Pakistan U-19 players 155 (Minhas 34, Shazaib 26, Zibon 4-24, Bolson 4-24) Victory Bangladesh U-19 150 (James 26, Bolson 21*, Ubaid 5-44) 5 points difference
Bangladesh’s dreams of an U-19 World Cup encore in South Africa, where they won the title in 2020, came crashing down in the most heartbreaking way at Benoni.
Pakistan’s hero was Ubaid Shah, younger brother of sensational pace sensation Naseem Shah. On a hot, dry day, Ubaid bowled with fire, intensity and raw pace that disturbed Bangladesh’s batting line-up, hitting just 5 for 44 as Pakistan defended a sensational 155 and won by five runs. Ta.
But until 30 minutes before the dramatic conclusion, Ubaid wondered if he had dropped the cup. When Bangladesh needed 37 with four wickets, Ubaid unloaded a perfect sitter with great foot to relieve Bangladesh’s last 24 batsman, Mohammad Shihad James. But Ubaid bounced back with a brilliant lifter in the next over to dismiss him. James nicked the wicketkeeper, sparking wild celebrations.
Rohanat Doulah Bolsoon limited Pakistan’s pursuit earlier in the day by hitting 4 of 24 shots before scoring an impressive unbeaten 21 points to bring Bangladesh within striking distance. Mohammad Zeeshan then threw Pakistan into disarray with the last wicket of Maruf. Murida.
Pakistan did the unthinkable, coming from the brink of defeat to decide the match in a manner reminiscent of their famous run to the title in the 2006 final against India at the R. Premadasa Stadium. I did it. It was Anwar Ali who batted against India’s famous top order that day with a modest 109 fielding. On Saturday, Ubaid was solid in the heart of an inspired defence.
Their eventual victory may have been dramatic, but Pakistan was lackluster in many areas. Five batters had double-digit RBIs, but no batter in the bottom of the order had more than Arafat Mifunas’ 34 RBIs. At that point they were teetering at 89 for six and looked like they would be bowled out within 40 overs. As it turns out, they just managed to cross that mark.
Along with pacer Bolson, off-spinner Sheikh Paeves Jibon also contributed to the four-wicket haul with a brilliant spell of finesse and control. But in the end, those two heroic efforts of his were his second best on a heartbreaking night for Bangladesh.
Ireland U19 National Team Won 267/9 (Rolston 82, Hilton 72, Schreuder 4-46) New Zealand U-19 players 131 for 5 by 41 runs with DLS method (Nelson 34, Riley 3-20)
The remaining two results didn’t mean much in terms of qualifying for the semi-finals, but they were still attractive performances. Ireland defeated New Zealand by 41 points in the DLS format in Bloemfontein, ending the Super 6 stage with a sole victory.
Ireland’s victory was won by batsman Gavin Rolston, who led the team with 82 points on 9 for 267. Rolston was the third wicket for 129 runs, alongside Kian Hilton, who hit 72 runs, to lead Ireland to a competitive total. Ireland were heading for an even bigger score, but an underwhelming last 10 overs spoiled their plans. Fast bowler Ewald Schreuder was selected among the bowlers with figures of 4 for 46.
New Zealand started slowly and looked like they were trying to consolidate first before trying to make a late push towards victory. However, in the 24th inning he was 2 for 92, but in the 33rd he dropped to 5 for 131. Because they allowed the desired interest rate to rise, they came under pressure as the rains began to fall. Oliver Reilly’s early three-fors helped Ireland take a huge lead over DLS and ultimately secure the victory.
England U19Won with 237/7 (Alison 76, Wylie 61, Nyamhuri 2-50) Zimbabwe U19 91 (Taluvinga 38, Ali 7-29) 146 runs difference
Leg-spinner Tazeem Chaudhry Ali hit seven fours, the highest by an English player at an Under-19 World Cup, as his side defeated Zimbabwe by 146 runs in Potchefstroom.
England’s victory was a bit more straightforward, although it wasn’t the most convincing batting performance. From 116-5, they had Charlie Allison to thank for the rescue. His 76 home runs put the team at 7-for-237, and opening pitcher Theo Wylie also contributed greatly with 61 home runs.
Zimbabwe’s pursuit never stopped and they soon fell to 5 wins and 51 losses. From there, there was no turning back as Chaudhary Ali put in a great performance and won easily, making it a repechage.