Bangladesh is champion in U-19 Asia Cup

champion Bangladesh

Bangladesh Under-19 opener Ashiqur Rahman Shibli showcased a stellar performance, scoring a magnificent century, as the team secured their inaugural Under-19 Asia Cup title with a resounding 195-run victory over the United Arab Emirates at the ICC Cricket Academy in Dubai today.

The triumph was particularly significant for the young Tigers as they emerged as unbeaten champions in the tournament.

Opting to bat first, Bangladesh posted a formidable total of 282-8, propelled by Shibli's outstanding knock of 129 from 149 balls. The bowlers then demonstrated disciplined skills, limiting the UAE innings to a mere 87 runs in 24.5 overs.

Shibli, who amassed two centuries and two half-centuries, concluded the tournament as the highest run-scorer with an impressive tally of 378 runs at an average of 126.

Despite a shaky start with the early dismissal of opener Jishan Alam for just 7, Shibli and Chowdhury M Rizwan steadied the innings with a 125-run partnership for the second wicket. Rizwan contributed 60 runs before being dismissed, while Ariful Islam's quick-fire 50 off 40 balls further propelled Bangladesh beyond UAE's reach. Following Ariful's departure, Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals, but Shibli's consistent scoring kept the team in a commanding position.

UAE's Ayman Ahmed took 4-52, but their batsmen struggled to pose a threat to Bangladesh's total. Only two players reached double digits, with Dhruv Parashar top-scoring with 25 and Akshat Rai contributing 11. Maruf Mridha and Rohanat Doullah Borson claimed three wickets each, while Iqbal Hossain Emon and Sheikh Parvez Jibon took two wickets each.

Bangladesh's journey to the title included victories over UAE, Japan, and Sri Lanka in the group stage, followed by a notable win against India in the semifinal. Despite UAE's impressive wins against Sri Lanka, Japan, and Pakistan in the group and semifinal stages, their dream run concluded against the spirited Bangladesh youngsters. This victory added another multinational trophy to Bangladesh's achievements, following their Under-19 World Cup triumph over India in 2020.