Bangladesh’s dream of retaining the Under-19 Asia Cup title ended in disappointment as the defending champions suffered an 8-wicket defeat against Pakistan in the semifinal.

The match, played in Dubai, was delayed due to rain and a wet outfield. As a result, the game was reduced to 27 overs per side. Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first.

Bangladesh struggled from the very beginning, losing both openers Rifat Beg and Jawad Abrar within the first 24 runs. Captain Azizul Hakim Tamim tried to stabilize the innings but was dismissed for 20 off 26 balls.

The middle order failed to build partnerships, and wickets fell at regular intervals. Samiun Bashir was the lone resistance, scoring 33 runs off 37 balls. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 121 runs in the 27th over.

Pakistan bowler Abdul Subhan starred with four wickets, while Huzaifa Ahsan picked up two.

Chasing 122, Pakistan lost an early wicket but quickly recovered through a solid partnership between Samir Minhas and Usman Khan. The duo added 85 runs for the second wicket.

Usman Khan scored 27 runs, while Samir Minhas remained unbeaten on 69 off 57 balls to guide Pakistan to victory. Ahmed Hussain added an unbeaten 11 runs at the end.

Iqbal Hossain Emon and Samiun Bashir claimed one wicket each for Bangladesh.

With this win, Pakistan advanced to the final. India also booked their place in the final after defeating Sri Lanka in the other semifinal.