(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] The semi-finals of the Under-19 Asia Cup 2023 did not pan out how many expected them to.
The UAE and Bangladesh caused two upsets, ending Pakistan and India’s campaigns respectively in the ongoing tournament.
In the first semi-final held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday, Pakistan opted to bowl. While their decision to put in the UAE to bat paid off as the latter got bowled out at a score of 193 in the first innings, Pakistan failed to chase down the target losing by 11 runs in the end.
UAE captain Aayan Khan played a 55-run knock, which was followed by a well-rounded effort from their bowlers.
In a match simultaneously happening at the ICC Cricket Academy, Dubai, Bangladesh defeated India by four wickets.
Bangladesh asked India to bat first. Barring Musheer Khan and Murugan Abhishek, who smashed half-centuries, no other Indian batter could even enter the 20s. The Boys in Blue eventually got bundled for 188 runs in 42.4 overs.
Riding on Ariful Islam’s 90-ball 94, Bangladesh got past India’s total in the 43rd over with four wickets remaining.
After their wins in the semis, Bangladesh and the UAE will now face each other in the final of the U-19 Asia Cup 2023 on December 17.