KEY POINTS
- Bangladesh’s 39-run win over Sri Lanka secured their place atop Group B.
- Sri Lanka’s chase faltered early and they were bowled out for 186.
- The result sets up semi-finals where India faces Sri Lanka and Bangladesh meets Pakistan.
DUBAI: Bangladesh sealed the top spot in Group B of the Under-19 Asia Cup with a 39-run victory over Sri Lanka here on Wednesday, setting a clear path for a potential blockbuster final between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.
The result confirms the semi-final line-up: India will now face Sri Lanka in the first knockout, while Bangladesh will square off against Pakistan. Both semi-finals will be played in Dubai on Friday, December 19.
Bangladesh’s Mixed Day Secures Top Spot
Electing to bat first, Bangladesh were propelled by a solid 84-run opening stand between Zawad Abrar and Rifat Beg. Captain Azizul Hakim and Kalam Siddiki further consolidated with a 53-run partnership, taking the score to a promising 163 for 3.
However, a dramatic collapse saw them lose their last seven wickets for just 62 runs, bowled out for 225 in 46.3 overs. Sri Lankan off-spinner Kavija Gamage was the chief destroyer, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 38.
Sri Lanka’s Chase Falters From the Start
In reply, Sri Lanka’s chase never gained momentum, slumping to 38 for 3 within 14 overs. Chamika Heenatigala offered brief resistance with a top score of 41, but wickets fell consistently at the other end.
From a precarious 126 for 8, the innings folded for 186 in 43.4 overs, despite some late blows from Aadham Hilmy. Bangladesh’s bowling attack shared the spoils, with Iqbal Hossain Emon (3/37) and Shahriar Ahmed (3/27) leading the way.
Match Summary
Bangladesh posted 225 thanks to a strong opening stand, but collapsed against Kavija Gamage (4/38). In reply, Sri Lanka stumbled early and, despite Chamika Heenatigala’s 41, fell 39 runs short, bowled out for 186.
Path Cleared for Marquee Final
With the group stages concluded, attention shifts to Friday’s high-stakes semi-finals. While Bangladesh and Pakistan will battle for one final berth, heavyweights India are firm favourites against a struggling Sri Lankan side.
Cricket fans across the continent are now eagerly anticipating the tantalising prospect of an India-Pakistan summit clash in the Under-19 Asia Cup, a fixture that rarely fails to deliver high drama and intensity.
