Summary:
- Bangladesh defeated India by 59 runs in the ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2024 final to retain their title.
- Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Iqbal Hossain Emon (3/24), defended a modest total of 198 by dismissing India for 139 in 35.2 overs.
- Rizan Hossan (47), Shihab James (40), and Farid Hossain (39) contributed key runs as Bangladesh posted a below-par score after batting first.
- This marks Bangladesh’s second consecutive U-19 Asia Cup victory, following their maiden win in 2023 at the same venue.
ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2024, Bangladesh secured a resounding 59-run victory over India in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, December 8. The win marked Bangladesh’s successful defense of their title, following their maiden triumph in 2023, and further cemented their rising dominance in youth cricket.
The match showcased a spirited performance by Bangladesh’s bowlers, who defended a modest total of 198 runs with remarkable determination. India, chasing the target, faltered under pressure and were bowled out for just 139 runs in 35.2 overs. Pacer Iqbal Hossain Emon was instrumental in dismantling India’s batting lineup, claiming three wickets for just 24 runs. He was ably supported by fellow pacer Al Fahad, who took two wickets for 34 runs, and Azizul Hakim, whose three-wicket haul for eight runs sealed the fate of the Indian team.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first. Despite a challenging start, Rizan Hossan top-scored with 47 runs, while Shihab James contributed a steady 40. Farid Hossain added a crucial late cameo with a brisk 39 off 40 balls, helping Bangladesh post a total of 198 before being bowled out with five balls remaining in their innings. India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with six out of seven bowlers taking at least one wicket.
India entered the final as favorites, having won the U-19 Asia Cup a record eight times previously and displaying dominant form throughout the tournament. However, they struggled against Bangladesh’s formidable bowling attack. Despite promising starts from their top order, none of the Indian batters could convert their innings into substantial scores. The disciplined and aggressive bowling by Bangladesh ensured that India never gained momentum during their chase.
This victory is particularly significant for Bangladesh as it highlights their consistency at the U-19 level. The team had earlier defeated Pakistan convincingly by seven wickets in the semifinal to secure their place in the final. Captain Azizul Hakim has been a standout performer throughout the tournament, leading from the front with both bat and ball.
The ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2024 featured eight teams and was held across Dubai and Sharjah from November 29 to December 8. Bangladesh’s journey to the title included group-stage wins against Afghanistan and Nepal and a narrow loss to Sri Lanka before bouncing back strongly in the knockout stages.
Bangladesh’s back-to-back titles underscore their growing stature in youth cricket and serve as a testament to their robust development programs. As these young players continue to shine on international stages, they provide hope for an even brighter future for Bangladeshi cricket.
