Rizwanullah's five-wicket haul guides Pakistan to U19 Asia Cup final

Pakistan U-19s defeated Bangladesh by nine wickets in the semi-final of the Under-19 Asia Cup in Muscat thanks to fast bowler Rizwanullah's first five-wicket haul.

Pakistan openers Usman Khan and Hayam Khan then chased down the 139 target with ease. In his 54-ball innings, Usman was unbeaten on 64 with seven fours and two sixes, while Hayam was 69 off 72 with eight fours and a six. They added 123 more runs for the first stand, but Hayam got caught by Robiul Hasan and struck out. Usman blasted a four and a six off consecutive balls to complete the chase in the 22nd over.

Pakistan bowlers frequently struck after Bangladesh elected to bat, and three of the top five batters fell for single digit scores. Opening batsman Abdullah Al Muhi made a half-century with four fours and two sixes, but the other batters struggled to get going after he was bowled out in the 14th over.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 138 in 31.4 overs after Rizwanullah sparked a lower-order collapse. Ali Raza, Ahmed Hussain, and Hasnain Dar each took one wicket, while Mohammad Sayyam claimed two of them.