Pakistan cruise into U19 Asia Cup final after nine-wicket win over Bangladesh

Defending champions Pakistan have qualified for the final of the Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2026 after defeating Bangladesh by nine wickets in the first semi-final at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman.

Opting to bat first, Bangladesh were bowled out for 138 in the 32nd over, setting Pakistan a target of 139 runs.

Pakistan comfortably chased down the target in the 26th over, losing just one wicket in the process.

Openers Usman Khan and Hiyam Khan led the chase with impressive half-centuries. Hiyam scored 69 runs before being dismissed, while Usman remained unbeaten on 64.

Earlier, Rizwanullah starred with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul to restrict Bangladesh to a modest total.

The defending champions are back in the final and just one win away from getting their hands on the trophy once again 🇵🇰 #DPWorldMensU19AsiaCup2026 #PAKvBAN #ACC https://t.co/A4TzhpPPr2

— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) November 12, 2026

With the victory, Pakistan have secured their place in the tournament final, where they will face either India or Afghanistan, who are competing in the second semi-final today.

The final is scheduled to take place on Saturday.

In the previous edition of the tournament, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by eight wickets, with Sameer Minhas scoring an unbeaten 69 and Abdul Subhan claiming four wickets.

Under-19 Asia Cup winners list from 1989 to 2025

The Asian Under-19 cricket tournament was first held in Bangladesh in 1989, featuring India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in a double round-robin format. India, led by Ranjib Biswal, defeated Sri Lanka by 79 runs in the final to claim the inaugural title.

However, the tournament did not return for the next 14 years, with its second edition taking place in Pakistan in 2003. India defeated Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

The third edition was held in Malaysia in 2012, nine years after the previous tournament. Its final between India and Pakistan ended in a tie, with both teams sharing the trophy.