Explained: How Pakistan's U19 side reached the Asia Cup final

What happened: Defending champions Pakistan beat Bangladesh by nine wickets on Thursday, 12 November, to reach the final of the U19 Asia Cup 2026. The first semi-final was played at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman.

How the match went: Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first, but they were bowled out for 138 in 31.4 overs. Pakistan chased the target of 139 in 21.5 overs and finished on 141 for one.

The bowling: Rizwanullah took five wickets for 30 runs in eight overs. Mohammad Sayyam, Ali Raza, Hasnain Abbas Dar and Ahmed Hussain each took one wicket. For Bangladesh, opener Abdullah Al Muhi top-scored with 50, Rakibul Hossain made 26 and All Rafi added 20.

The chase: Hayam Khan scored 69 off 72 balls, with eight fours and one six. Usman Khan stayed unbeaten on 64 off 54 balls, with seven fours and two sixes. Abdul Qadir was not out on 8 when the target was reached.

How Pakistan got here: khabr.pk reported on 10 November that Pakistan beat Nepal by 101 runs at Al Amerat, their third straight win, and finished the Group A stage unbeaten. In that match Pakistan made 275 for 7, with Ahmed Hussain scoring 89 and captain Farhan Yousaf 74.

One discrepancy: Daily Pakistan Urdu's report describes the margin as 10 wickets, while other reports say nine. The scorecard figure of 141 for one points to a nine-wicket win, which is the margin used here.

What is still open: Pakistan's team management will review pitch conditions in Muscat to settle the playing combination for the title match, according to a report. The material available to khabr.pk does not yet name the final's opponent or give a date for it.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq congratulated the team on reaching the final, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan. He praised the young players for their performance throughout the tournament.