Sameer Minhas and Abdul Subhan Lead Pakistan to U19 Asia Cup Final

Pakistan walked off The Sevens surface knowing the job had been done early. Just control, from first over to last run, as Bangladesh tried to resist, but the gap between the two sides kept widening with every phase of play.

Rain trimmed the contest to 27 overs per side, yet the story stayed the same, as Pakistan adapted more quickly.

Subhan Breaks The Backbone Early

Choosing to bowl first, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf read the conditions well. The pitch had enough movement, and Abdul Subhan wasted no time exploiting it.

Bangladesh’s openers showed intent but little security, where Rifat Beg and Zawad Akbar stitched together 24 before both disappeared in quick succession. 

Subhan removed skipper Azizul Hakim just as Bangladesh hoped to steady themselves. Another strike followed soon after, and the scoreboard told a harsh story: 65 for five.

Ahmed Hussain joined the act, trimming the middle order, while Huzaifa Ahsan added pressure from the other end. Bangladesh never truly recovered, as their batters tried to force momentum but kept finding fielders instead.

Samiun Basir fought at the tail, and his 33 off 37 balls dragged Bangladesh past the 100 mark, drawing applause from teammates more than the crowd. The innings ended at 121 in 26.3 overs, a total that looked light even before the chase began.

Subhan finished with four wickets for 20 runs, and it was the timing of those breakthroughs that mattered most.

Sameer Minhas Takes Charge

Pakistan’s reply stumbled briefly, where Hamza Zahoor walked back without scoring in the first over, and for a moment, Bangladesh sensed an opening.

Sameer Minhas settled in with the ease of someone playing a different game. He was in no rush and showed calm footwork and clean pickups. Usman Khan complemented him perfectly, rotating strike and punishing width when offered.

Their partnership moved quickly without ever looking hurried. Fifty came and went, and then they carried the match further away. Bangladesh’s bowlers searched for errors but found none.

Usman eventually fell lbw for 27, the only bright spot in a long spell for the Tigers. By then, the match had already tilted beyond reach.

Ahmed Hussain joined Sameer to finish things off, guiding Pakistan home with more than 11 overs to spare. Sameer’s unbeaten 69 off 57 balls carried six fours and two sixes. 

A Final Against Rival India Awaits

The win sets up a U19 Asia Cup final that needs little selling. Pakistan versus India again, and as always, the stakes are high, and entertainment is guaranteed.

For Pakistan, the semi-final offered more than just a result. It showed balance from the bowlers who struck early and stayed disciplined, and batters also read the situation and played accordingly.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, was left searching for answers. Their effort never dipped, but the difference in execution proved decisive.

And judging by this performance, Pakistan will walk in believing they belong exactly where they are.