Bangladesh U19s top Group B with unbeaten run, set semifinal clash with Pakistan

Bangladesh Under-19s emerged as unbeaten Group B champions in the ongoing ACC U-19 Asia Cup after beating Sri Lanka by 39 runs in their third and final group match at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Wednesday.

The victory set up a semifinal showdown against Group A runners-up Pakistan.

The reigning champions sealed their third consecutive win in the tournament through a disciplined bowling display, successfully defending a modest total of 225. Despite the loss, Sri Lanka advanced to the semifinals as Group B runners-up and will face Group A champions India. Both semifinals are scheduled for Friday.

Bangladesh's bowlers laid the foundation for the victory as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 186 in 49.1 overs. Left-arm spinner Shahriar Ahmed led the attack with figures of 3 for 27, while pacer Iqbal Hossain Emon picked up 3 for 37. Fellow left-arm spinner Samiun Basir also made a key contribution, taking two wickets to help dismantle the Sri Lankan batting lineup.

For Sri Lanka, Chamika Heenatigala top-scored with 41 off 67 balls, while Aadham Hilmy added 39 off 38 balls in an otherwise faltering chase.

Earlier, Bangladesh were sent in to bat and appeared well placed at 163 for 3 before suffering a dramatic collapse, losing their last seven wickets for just 62 runs to be dismissed for 225.

In-form opener Zawad Abrar and his partner Rifat Beg gave Bangladesh a strong start, putting on 84 runs for the first wicket. Zawad narrowly missed out on his third consecutive half-century of the tournament, falling for 49. Rifat followed soon after with 36, while skipper Azizul Hakim Tamim (29) and Kalam Siddiki Aleen (32) kept the scoreboard ticking through the middle overs.

Off-spinner Kavija Gamage sparked the Bangladesh collapse with an impressive spell of 4 for 38 from his 10 overs. Viran Chamuditha and Rasith Nimsara supported him well, claiming two wickets each to restrict Bangladesh to what seemed a chaseable total.

However, Sri Lanka never found momentum in reply, losing wickets at regular intervals to slump to 126 for 8. Hilmy and Nimsara offered late resistance with a 56-run stand for the ninth wicket, but it only served to narrow the margin of defeat.

In the day's other Group B fixture, Afghanistan registered a consolation win, beating Nepal by six wickets.