Bangladesh thrashed UAE by 195 runs at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday to claim their first-ever U19 Asia Cup title. They have done it in a remarkable way, as the country’s U-19 cricket team is the unbeaten champion in this year’s Asia Cup.
Though the young Tigers won the U-19 World Cup four years ago, the Asian title has remained elusive so far. The spirited youngsters now gave the country two multinational trophies, something that the national team failed to do.
After setting a target of 283 for their opponents, Bangladesh bundled out UAE for 87 runs. Earlier, Ashiqur Rahman Shibli registered a stunning 129-run knock as Bangladesh posted 282 for 8 on the board after getting an invitation to bat first. Chowdhury Md Rizwan
(60) and Ariful Islam (50) also gave important contributions with the bat. For UAE, Ayman Ahamed (4 for 52) was the top wicket-taker.
Shibli who scored two centuries and as many half-centuries ended the tournament as highest run-getter with 378 at a staggering average of 126.
Bangladesh made a disappointing start, losing opener Jishan Alam for just 7 but Shibli and Chowhdury M Rizwan got the side back on track with 125-run partnership for the second wicket.
Rizwan was dismissed for 60 but Ariful Islam hit 40 ball-50 to help Shibli in taking the total out of UAE's reach. After the dismissal of Ariful, Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals but Shibli kept the runs flowing to put the side on top.
Ayman Ahmed claimed 4-52 for UAE.
However, UAE batters never could raise the hope of overhauling the total as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Only two batters could reach double digits with Dhruv Parashar making highest 25 and Akshat Rai scorung 11. A total of 14 runs came from sundries.
Maruf Mridha and Rohanat Doullah Borson claimed three wickets apiecewhile Iqbal Hossain Emon and Sheikh Parvez Jibon took two wickets each.
Bangladesh beat UAE, Japan and Sri Lanka in the group phase before beating mighty India by four wickets in the semifinal. The UAE beat Sri Lanka and Japan in the group phase and then stunned Pakistan in the semifinal but their dream run ended against the spirited Bangladesh youngsters.