RKI Web Desk
DUBAI: Defending champions Bangladesh delivered a stellar bowling performance to defeat India by 59 runs in the U-19 Asia Cup final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Set a modest target of 199, India crumbled for 139 in just 35.2 overs. Early setbacks saw Indian openers Vaibhav Suryavanshi (9) and Ayush Mhatre (1) dismissed within the first five overs. C. Andre Siddarth’s brief resistance (20 off 35 balls) ended in the 12th over, further tilting the game in Bangladesh’s favor.
Player-of-the-final Iqbal Hossain Emon wreaked havoc with a crucial spell, claiming 3 for 31, including key wickets of K.P. Karthikeya (21) and Nikhil Kumar (0). Azizul Hakim sealed India’s collapse with a remarkable 3 for 8 in 2.2 overs. Despite efforts by Indian captain Mohamed Amaan (26 off 65 balls) and Hardik Raj (24 off 21), their chase fell short.
Earlier, Bangladesh posted 198, thanks to Rizan Hossain’s 47, Mohammad Shihab James’ 40, and Farid Hasan’s 39. Indian bowlers Yudhajit Guha, Chetan Sharma, and Hardik Raj claimed two wickets each but couldn’t prevent Bangladesh from capitalizing on key moments.
This victory marks Bangladesh’s successful defense of the title, following their triumph over UAE in last year’s final at the same venue.
