Bangladesh clinched their second consecutive ACC U19 Asia Cup title on Sunday, defeating India by 59 runs in a thrilling final. The match highlighted Bangladesh’s balanced team performance as they overcame India despite setting a modest target of 199 runs.
Batting first, Bangladesh put up a total of 198 runs in 49.1 overs, with steady contributions from multiple players. Zawad Abrar opened with a cautious 20 runs off 35 balls, while Mohammad Shihab James anchored the innings with a vital 40 off 67 balls.
The momentum continued as Rizan Hossain top-scored with 47 off 65 balls, supported by Farid Hasan’s 39 runs, and late contributions from Azizul Hakim and Maruf Mridha. India’s bowlers kept the pressure on, with Yudhajit Guha (2/29), Chetan Sharma (2/48), and Hardik Raj (2/41) chipping in with crucial wickets.
India’s chase of 199 got off to a rocky start, with both openers dismissed cheaply. Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored only 9 runs, while Ayush Mhatre managed just 1, leaving India at 24/2 within five overs. Bangladesh’s bowlers tightened their grip, with Iqbal Hossain Emon producing a game-changing spell.
Emon removed KP Karthikeya (21), Nikhil Kumar (0), and Harvansh Pangalia (6) in quick succession, leaving India’s batting order in disarray. A brief resistance came from Mohamed Amaan, who scored 26 off 65 balls, and Hardik Raj, who added a brisk 24 off 21 balls, but the lack of partnerships proved costly.
Bangladesh’s Azizul Hakim sealed the win with a devastating spell, taking 3/8 in just 2.2 overs, as India was bowled out for 139 runs.