Bangladesh Claims Consecutive U19 Asia Cup Championship by Defeating India by 59 Runs

Dubai, Dec 8 (NationPress) With standout performances from Iqbal Hossain Emon and Azizul Hakim, both achieving three wickets, Bangladesh emerged victorious against India by 59 runs in the final, capturing their second consecutive U19 Asia Cup title at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

India's captain Mohamed Amaan won the toss and opted to have the defending champions bat first in this crucial match.

Yudhajit Guha struck first for India by dismissing opener Kalam Siddiki for just 1 run in the seventh over. Bangladesh's captain Azizul Hakim and Zawad Abrar attempted to stabilize the innings with a brief partnership of 24 runs before the latter was dismissed by Chetan Sharma in the 11th over, leaving Bangladesh at 41/2.

Kiran Chormale then took Azizul Hakim for 16 runs in the 19th over, adding to Bangladesh's worries in their title defense. However, contributions from Mohammad Shihab James (40), Rizan Hossan (47), and wicketkeeper Farid Hasan (39) helped the team post a respectable total of 198 runs.

On the Indian side, Yudhajit Guha, Chetan Sharma, and Hardik Raj each took two wickets.

Chasing a target of 199 for their ninth title, India started poorly, with openers Ayush Mhatra (1) and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (9) falling cheaply.

A brief partnership between C Andre Siddarth and KP Karthikeya provided some relief, but Rizan Hossan dismantled the stand in the 12th over by taking out Siddarth (20). Karthikeya was also dismissed by Iqbal Hossain Emon in the 21st over.

Captain Mohammed Amaan (26) and Hardik Raj (24) tried to stabilize the innings but ultimately fell short, with India ending their innings at 139 against Bangladesh's formidable bowling attack.

Iqbal Hossain Emon and Azizul Hakim each took three wickets, while Al Fahad claimed two.

Iqbal Hossain Emon was awarded the Player of the Match and the Player of the Tournament for taking a total of 13 wickets throughout the tournament.