The Pakistan Bangladesh U19 Asia Cup semi-final will be played on Thursday, with the defending champions taking on Bangladesh after topping Group A with a perfect record in the group stage.
The match-up was confirmed after Pakistan’s 101-run victory over Nepal in their last league fixture. The Green Shirts finished at the summit of the Group A standings with six points from three matches and a net run rate of 1.186.
The second semi-final will be contested between India and Group B toppers Afghanistan, at Turf 1 of the same venue, also on Thursday. The winners of the two knockout fixtures will meet in the final, scheduled for November 14 at Turf 2.
How Pakistan reached the semi-final
Pakistan started their campaign with a thumping nine-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates. They then edged past arch-rivals India by three wickets in the blockbuster fixture on Sunday.
The win over Nepal sealed top spot. Pakistan posted 275 for 7, then bowled Nepal out for 174 to win by 101 runs in Muscat. Farhan scored 74, and Hussain made 89 and took four wickets for 35 runs in a fine all-round display.
Bangladesh, Pakistan’s semi-final opponents, finished second in Group B with four points from three matches. They will face a Pakistan side that has won all three of its group games and arrives in the knockouts with momentum.
The other semi-final pairs the two remaining contenders. Afghanistan topped Group B with six points from three matches and a hefty net run rate of 3.176, after a comprehensive 106-run victory over Sri Lanka on Monday. India finished second in Group A with four points, and will meet Afghanistan for a place in the final.
India qualify as the last team through
India were the last team to book a semi-final place. They beat the UAE by 70 runs earlier on Tuesday to finish second in Group A.
Put into bat first, India piled up 309 for 7 in their 50 overs, thanks to a marathon second-wicket partnership between VK Vineeth and Sehwag. The pair came together at 62 for 1 in the 14th over and raised 193 runs for the second wicket.
Sehwag top-scored with 160 off 168 balls, with 17 fours and seven sixes, before falling to Naseem Khan. India added only 54 more runs after his dismissal. Vineeth made 67, while Yashbardhan Chauhan and Anvay Dravid chipped in with 17 and 12.
Naseem took four wickets for 48 runs for the UAE. Set 310 to win, the UAE made 239 all out despite a run-a-ball 74 from Ahmed Khudadad. Sood led India’s bowling with four for 37.
The group stage is now complete, and the tournament has its final four. Afghanistan and Bangladesh had already secured their semi-final places before Tuesday’s games, and the last two results filled in the pairings.
Pakistan named their squad for the tournament in Oman last month, and the side has lived up to its billing as defending champions so far. The full squad list is in our report on the Pakistan U19 Asia Cup squad.
The senior team is also in action at home. Pakistan declared on 434 for 9 in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, with the tourists 114 for 3 at stumps on day two, so it is a busy week for Pakistan cricket at every level.
Pakistan Bangladesh U19 Asia Cup semi-final: what happens next
Both semi-finals will be played on Thursday. Pakistan face Bangladesh, and India meet Afghanistan, with the winners advancing to the final on November 14.
For Pakistan, the task is clear: beat Bangladesh and defend the title they won last time. The group stage showed the side can win in different ways, from a nine-wicket cruise against the UAE to a tight three-wicket win over India and a comfortable victory over Nepal.
Bangladesh will be no easy opponent. They finished second in a tough Group B, and the team that handles the pressure best on Thursday will play for the trophy on Saturday. Geo Super confirmed the semi-final line-up on Tuesday evening.
Frequently asked questions
Who will Pakistan play in the U19 Asia Cup semi-final?
Pakistan will play Bangladesh in the semi-final on Thursday. Pakistan topped Group A, while Bangladesh finished second in Group B.
How did Pakistan top Group A?
Pakistan won all three group matches: a nine-wicket win over the UAE, a three-wicket win over India, and a 101-run win over Nepal. They finished with six points and a net run rate of 1.186.
Who plays in the other semi-final?
India will play Afghanistan in the second semi-final, also on Thursday. Afghanistan topped Group B, and India finished second in Group A after beating the UAE by 70 runs.
When is the final?
The final is scheduled for November 14 at Turf 2 in Muscat. The winners of the two semi-finals will meet there.
Who were the top performers in India’s win over UAE?
Sehwag scored 160 off 168 balls with 17 fours and seven sixes, and Vineeth made 67 in a 193-run second-wicket stand. Sood took four wickets for 37 runs as the UAE were bowled out for 239.
