Pakistan booked their place in the U19 Asia Cup final after crushing Bangladesh by nine wickets at Al Amerat. It was a complete performance from the boys in green, and the main architect of this big victory was Karachi fast bowler Rizwanullah.
In an earlier interview with us, Rizwanullah shared how much he values genuine pace and the hard work he puts into bowling fast. Against Bangladesh, that dedication paid off in full, as his raw speed proved too much for the opposition batters to handle.
How Rizwanullah broke the Bangladeshi batting
After winning the toss and deciding to bat first, Bangladesh got off to a shaky start. Mohammad Sayyam kept things tight with disciplined bowling, reducing them to 25 for two early on. Bangladesh tried to recover through a steady third wicket stand that briefly tested Pakistan, until Rizwanullah entered the attack.
Just like he did in the earlier group match against India, Rizwanullah made an immediate impact by breaking the partnership and picking up a crucial wicket. Bangladesh tried to rebuild once more after losing four wickets. During this spell, their opener Abdullah hit Rizwanullah for a boundary and got a lucky six off an edge. However, the young pacer did not lose his focus. He came back strongly to dismiss Abdullah, and then quickly ran through the lower order by removing Rafi, Robiol, and Rakibul. With those dismissals, Rizwanullah completed his five wicket haul, leaving Bangladesh all out for just 138 runs.
A new threat in the middle overs
Usually, opposing batters expect some relief once they survive opening bowlers like Ali Raza and Sayyam, hoping to face spinners or slower bowlers next. Now, teams are realizing that an even tougher test awaits them in the middle overs.
Standing tall and generating serious pace, Rizwanullah has become a real threat to every middle order in this tournament. His consistent performances are a proud moment for the Karachi region and a great sign for the future of Pakistan cricket.
Openers finish the job in style
Chasing a modest target of 139, Pakistan never looked in trouble. The openers took control from the very first over and wrapped up the chase in just 21.5 overs for the loss of only one wicket. Hayam played a brilliant knock of 69 runs before getting out close to the finish line, while Usman stayed unbeaten on 64 to guide the team home comfortably.
All eyes on the final against India
In the other semifinal, India also secured a comfortable win to set up a thrilling final against this red hot Pakistan side on November 14. Going into the big clash, Rizwanullah will certainly have his sights set on the Indian batters, while the Indian camp will be planning carefully to counter his pace.
The Regional Cricket Association Karachi wishes Rizwanullah and the entire Pakistan U19 squad the very best of luck for the final.
