PAK vs BAN U19 World Cup highlights: Ubaid Shah, brother of Pakistan quick Naseem, claimed 5-44 and Ali Raza 3-44 to help Pakistan beat Bangladesh by five runs and qualify for the semi-finals.
Pakistan lost by just 155 points at Willowmoor Park in Benoni, but bounced back by defeating Bangladesh by 150 points and booked a spot in the semi-finals of the 2024 U-19 World Cup.
Pakistan will play Australia in the second semi-final on February 8, two days after hosts South Africa play India. The two matches and his final on February 11 will take place at the same venue in Benoni.
Pakistan openers Shamil Hussain and Shazaib Khan added 37 runs, followed by medium pacer Rohanat Dura Bolson (4 wins, 24 losses) and off-spinner Sheikh Paeves Jibon (4 wins, 24 losses) ) and fell to 89 wins and 6 losses. Arafat Minhas (34 off 40 balls) then added his 43 for his seventh wicket along with Ali Asfand, ultimately taking Pakistan’s score to 155.
Bangladesh needed to reach the target within 38.1 overs to advance to the semi-finals. Jishan Alam responded quickly and hit 19 off 12 balls at the top, helping Bangladesh reach 26 in 3 overs. However, Ubaid Shah (5-44) dropped him and fellow opener Ashkur Rahman Shibli in quick succession, and Bangladesh continued to lose wickets regularly thereafter.
When No. 11 Maruf Murida joined No. 10 Bolson, they needed 29 men. Both players pitched with the qualifying scenario in mind. Bolson hit Arafat Minhas for a six in the 35th over, followed by a three from Mohammad Zeeshan to reduce the target to six in 16 balls. At this point, Ubaid and Ali Raza (3 wins, 44 losses) were both eliminated.
Mrida bowled the next ball without conceding a run, but had to fend off two balls to get Bolson to attack. Zeeshan bowled short and Mridha defended on the back foot but the ball hit the stumps on the inside edge.
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