Dubai, December 19, 2025: Abdul Subhan’s incisive four-wicket spell, followed by a commanding half-century from Sameer Minhas, propelled Pakistan to a dominant eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the semi-final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup at The Sevens on Friday.
Chasing a modest target of 122 in a rain-curtailed 27-overs-per-side contest, the Green Shirts completed the task with ease, reaching the target for the loss of just two wickets and with 69 balls to spare.
Pakistan’s chase, however, began on a shaky note as opener Hamza Zahoor was dismissed for a duck in the very first over with only one run on the board. The early setback did little to dent Pakistan’s momentum as Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan counter-attacked brilliantly, stitching together a rapid 85-run partnership for the second wicket off just 57 balls.
The stand was broken in the 11th over when Samiun Basir trapped Usman Khan lbw. Usman scored a brisk 27 off 26 deliveries, striking two sixes and two fours. Sameer then found a steady partner in Ahmed Hussain, and the duo calmly guided Pakistan home with an unbeaten 36-run partnership.
Sameer Minhas top-scored with an impressive unbeaten 69 off 57 balls, laced with six fours and two sixes, while Ahmed Hussain remained not out on 11 from 14 deliveries.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that paid rich dividends as Bangladesh were bowled out for 121 in 26.3 overs.
Bangladesh made a cautious start, with openers Rifat Beg and Zawad Akbar adding 24 runs before both were dismissed in quick succession. Captain Azizul Hakim then attempted to steady the innings with a 26-ball 20 but fell in the 13th over to Abdul Subhan, who went on to strike twice more in quick succession to reduce Bangladesh to 65/5.
Ahmed Hussain further tightened the noose in the following over by removing Sheikh Parvez Jibon (9), leaving the defending champions reeling at 73/6. All-rounder Samiun Basir offered resistance in the latter stages, finishing as Bangladesh’s top scorer with 33 off 37 balls, including a six and a four.
Abdul Subhan was the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers, claiming four wickets for 20 runs in his six overs. Huzaifa Ahsan supported him with two wickets, while Ali Raza, Mohammad Sayyam and Ahmed Hussain took one wicket each.
With this emphatic win, Pakistan booked their place in the final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup, maintaining their strong run in the tournament.
