C T Online Desk: Bangladesh retained the Men’s U-19 Asia Cup title as they beat India by 59 runs in the final and became the back-to-back champions of the tournament at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Defending 199, Young Tigers rode on Iqbal Hossain Emon’s fiery pace to bundle India out for 139 in 35.2 overs, eventually sealing a 59-run victory for the champions.
India never seemed to ace the chase as they kept losing wickets in regular intervals apart from their skipper Mohamed Amaan (26) who showed some resilience in his 65-ball stay. But he had to see batters keep coming and getting out at the other end.
Hardik Raj played a 24-run cameo in the end but that only reduced the margin of defeat for India.
For Bangladesh, Emon and skipper Azizul Hakim Tamim picked up three wickets each while Al Fahad bagged a brace. Maruf Mridha and Rizan Hossan picked up a wicket each.
Earlier, Bangladesh were bowled out for 198 in 49.1 overs after the holders were asked to bat first on the day.
The reigning champions struggled against a dominant Indian bowling attack.
Openers Zawad Abrar (20) and Kalam Siddiki (1) were dismissed cheaply, leaving Bangladesh at 41/2. Their troubles deepened when off-spinner Kiron Chormale dismissed skipper Tamim for 16, reducing the side to 66/3 in the 19th over.
Rizan and Shihab James added stability with a crucial 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Rizan top-scored with 47, while Shihab contributed 40.
However, Ayush Mharte broke through, dismissing Shihab, which opened the floodgates again. Leg-spinner KP Karthikeya removed Debashis Deba for just 1, and Hardik Raj claimed Rizan’s wicket, further derailing Bangladesh’s innings.
Farid Hasan fought back with a valuable 39, helping his side get closer to the 200-run mark. Despite their modest total, Bangladesh is banking on the slow nature of the pitch to challenge India.
Indian bowlers shared the spoils, with Yudhjit Guha, Hardik Raj, and Chetan Sharma taking two wickets each.
