Pakistan clinches semifinal spot in U19 World Cup with victory over Bangladesh

BENONI: Pakistan secured its spot in the ICC Under-19 World Cup semifinals by defeating Bangladesh on Saturday at the Sahara Park Willowmoore stadium located in Benoni, South Africa.

Opting to bowl after winning the toss, Bangladesh faced a target of 156 runs set by Pakistan. Pakistan managed to score 155 runs in 40 overs. Bangladesh fell just five runs short, getting out at 150.

For the Pakistani batting side, Arafat Minhas contributed 34 runs off 40 balls, Shahzaib Khan scored 26 runs off 67 balls, and Ali Asfand added 19 runs off 29 balls.

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Meanwhile, Parvez Rahman Jibon and Rohanat Doullah Borson taking four wickets each while conceding 24 runs each against Pakistan. Mahfuzur Rahman claimed a single wicket, giving away 27 runs.

When it was time for Bangladesh to bat, Mohammad Shihab James scored 26 runs in 43 balls, Rohanat Doullah Borson added 21 runs in 24 balls, and Chowdhury Mohammad Rizwan managed 20 runs off 30 balls.

Ubaid Shah was declared the player of the match with an impressive performance of taking five wickets against Bangladesh. Meanwhile Ali Raza took three wickets, and Mohammad Zeeshan contributed with one wicket while yielding 27 runs.

Pakistan won the match by five runs, and will now join South Africa, India, and Australia in the semifinals.

South Africa will face India on February 6, while Pakistan will take on Australia on February 7.