Bangladesh Collapses Against Pakistan In Chaotic Batting Display

Bangladesh, fresh from winning three consecutive matches in the group stage, appeared unrecognisable in their Under-19 semi-final clash against Pakistan. Led by captain Azizul Hakim Tamim, the team succumbed to a series of disciplined and precise deliveries, losing wickets at regular intervals while struggling to gauge the line and length of the opposition bowlers.

The match was scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. Bangladesh time at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai. However, persistent rain in the early hours delayed the start, and the game finally commenced at 3:00 p.m. with a reduced format of 27 overs per side. Winning the toss and batting first, Bangladesh was bundled out for a modest total of 121 runs, unable to mount a meaningful innings.

Pakistan’s controlled bowling made early inroads, reducing Bangladesh to 24 for 2 within just 5.1 overs. Both openers fell cheaply: Rifat Beg managed 14 runs off 16 balls, hitting one four and a six, while his opening partner, Zawad Abrar, contributed 9 runs before departing. In response, Tamim and Kalam Siddiqui attempted to rebuild the innings with a 31-run partnership over 43 balls. Their stand was broken by Abdul Subhan in the 13th over, as Tamim was dismissed for 20 runs from 26 balls, including a four and a six.

Following Tamim’s exit, Bangladesh continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Attempts at aggressive shots backfired, with Abrar and Sheikh Parvez Jibon lofting balls into the hands of vigilant Pakistani fielders. Ultimately, Bangladesh was bowled out for 121 in 26.3 overs, with Samium Bashir Ratul top-scoring with 33 runs from 37 balls, hitting one four and one six.

On the bowling front, Pakistan’s Subhan produced a spectacular performance, taking 4 wickets for just 20 runs in 6 overs, including a maiden over. Huzifa claimed 2 wickets, while Mohammad Saiem, Ahmed Hossain, and Ali Raja chipped in with one wicket each. Ratul’s run-out on the third ball of the 27th over brought an end to Bangladesh’s innings, highlighting a comprehensive collapse against an efficient Pakistani attack.

Bangladesh’s semi-final defeat underscored the challenge of coping with disciplined bowling attacks under pressure and exposed vulnerabilities in shot selection and adaptability, offering lessons for the team in their pursuit of the Under-19 title.