Pakistan’s young cricket team displayed an enthralling performance, pulling off a comeback victory against Bangladesh to guarantee their place in the semifinals of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2024. On a tension-filled Friday, the two-time world champions Pakistan showcased an impressive bowling display to defend a moderate total of 155 runs in their last Super Six stage match of the tournament, taking the second spot in the Group 1 points table.
With their fifth consecutive win, Pakistan is now gearing to take on Group 2 leaders Australia in the second semifinal. Meanwhile, the defending champions India are set up to meet the hosts South Africa in what promises to be a riveting first knockout game. Fans are already nibbling at the prospect of an India-Pakistan showdown in the final, should both teams triumph in their semis, marking only the second time in the history of the tournament for such a clash to occur.
The game took place at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, where Bangladesh captain Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby won the toss and opted to field. Pakistan introduced a change in their lineup, with Mohammad Zeeshan coming in for Amir Hasan, while Bangladesh put forth an unchanged team.
Initially, things seemed optimistic for Pakistan as they managed to drop just one wicket while cruising to the 50-run mark in the first powerplay overs. However, Bangladesh’s Rohnat Borson put a roadblock in Pakistan’s plans with early dismissals of key batsmen like Shamyl Hussain and Azan Awais. Subsequently, Sheikh Jibon took command in the middle overs, confining Pakistan to a meager total of 155 all out in 40.4 overs. Arafat Minhas emerged as the top scorer, albeit with a modest tally of 34 runs, marking a challenging day for Pakistani batsmen where only two managed to surpass twenty runs.
For Bangladesh, the chase appeared straightforward on paper, necessitating a modest run rate to overhaul the target within 38.1 overs to secure a semifinal slot. Jishan Alam got things off to an explosive start before Pakistani pacer Ubaid Shah intervened, claiming the wicket of Alam and subsequently sending Ashiqur Rahman Shibli back to the pavilion, thus leveling the playing field.
Bangladeshi batsmen found themselves stifled, struggling to gather momentum as Pakistani bowlers continued their strategic assault, claiming wickets at crucial junctures. Bangladesh’s chase ultimately faltered, reaching a precarious situation with six wickets down for just 83 runs. Yet, Mohammad Shihab James refused to succumb to the pressure and led the charge, top-scoring with 26 runs to keep the hopes alive.
As the game neared climax, Ubaid Shah unleashed his prowess once more, claiming two crucial wickets late in the match. The persistent Bangladeshi side pushed on, narrowly missing out on what would have been a remarkable chase. It was the return of Zeeshan that sealed the deal for Pakistan, dismissing Maruf Midha in the 36th over to clinch a heart-stopping five-run win. Ubaid’s exceptional performance, earning him five wickets for 44 runs, coupled with Ali Raza’s three wickets, secured Pakistan’s euphoric advance to the knockout stages.
The Bangladesh U19 Playing XI and Pakistan U19 Playing XI took to the field, with eyes fixed on producing spirited performances. Yet, as the dust settles on this gripping encounter, it is Pakistan who emerge with heads held high, while Bangladesh are left to reflect on what might have been. The stage is set for the semifinals, and if resilience and heart-stopping action were indicators, cricket fans worldwide are in for a real treat as these young talents prepare for their next monumental challenges.
