Bangladesh U19 miss golden opportunity to reach WC semi

|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh U19 missed a golden opportunity to reach the World Cup semifinals as they lost to Pakistan in a must-win game by 5 runs on Saturday.

In a crucial ICC U19 World Cup clash in Benoni today, Bangladesh medium pacer Rohanat Doullah Borson and off-spinner Parvez Ahmed Jibon showcased their bowling prowess, each claiming four wickets to dismantle Pakistan's innings.

Borson, with figures of 4 for 24 in eight overs, and Jibon, conceding 24 runs in 10 overs for his four-wicket haul, orchestrated a superb bowling display. Pakistan, after being asked to bat first, could only muster a meager 155 runs in 40.4 overs.

Arafat Minhas emerged as Pakistan's top-scorer, contributing 34 runs to their total.

Bangladesh had to chase down the target within 38.1 to secure the spot in the semifinals of the competition.

To defend the small total, Ubaid Shah fought back for Pakistan with two quick wickets up front, including the aggressive Jishan Alam. He returned to get a third wicket in the form of Ahrar Amin.

Ubaid's third was Bangladesh's fourth wicket, and the side needed Ariful Islam and Md Shihab James to stand up for them.

In the following over, Ariful's valiant effort came to an end as he aimed to guide an Ali Raza delivery past point, only to be thwarted by Shamyl's spectacular catch at point.

The 20th over witnessed Ubaid's fourth strike, leaving Bangladesh at 83/6 and facing an uphill battle.

With the chase in jeopardy, Shihab and the emerging talent, Mahfuzur Rahman, took charge, determined to rebuild the innings with 73 runs still required.

Shihab assumed the role of the leading run-scorer, while Mahfuzur provided a steady anchor.

Lady luck smiled on Shihab in the 29th over when Ubaid couldn't grasp a seemingly straightforward catch, offering the batsman a lifeline.

Nevertheless, Ubaid redeemed himself in the very next over by dismissing Shihab, followed by a crucial contribution from Ali Raza, tipping the scales in Pakistan's favor once again.

The pendulum swung back and forth, and as Pakistan neared victory, a precision direct hit secured the ninth wicket at 127.

Hope flickered for Bangladesh as Borson and Maruf Mridha valiantly fought on for the final wicket.

The duo propelled Bangladesh to the brink, with a mere six runs needed by the 37th over.

However, Mohammad Zeeshan's brilliance brought the curtains down on Bangladesh's aspirations, forcing Maruf to fend one back to his stumps, ultimately sealing the victory for Pakistan.