Online Desk  :  Bangladesh defended their ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup title, defeating India by 59 runs in the final to become back-to-back champions. The match took place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. After losing the toss, Bangladesh U-19 elected to bat first, but could not post a large total. Led by Naveed Nawaz, the side was bowled out for 198 runs with 5 balls remaining. Opener Zawad Abrar scored 20 runs for the team. Captain Azizul Hakim Tamim, who batted at number three, was dismissed for 16 runs. Mohammad Shihab James, coming in at number four, made 40 runs. Rizan Hossain, batting at number five, top-scored with 47 runs. Wicketkeeper Farid Hasan contributed 37 runs to the total.

In reply, India’s U-19 team was bowled out for 139 runs in 35.2 overs. Bangladesh put them on the back foot early, reducing them to 44 for 3. However, a promising partnership between Karthikeya, coming in at number four, and captain Mohammad Amaan, at number five, looked to revive India’s chances. Bangladesh’s right-arm pacer Iqbal Hossain Emon, however, broke the partnership by taking two quick wickets in consecutive deliveries.

India failed to recover from that point, losing seven wickets for just 92 runs before ultimately collapsing under 150.  Andre Siddarth, coming in at number three, scored 20 runs, while Karthikeya, at number four, added 21 runs. Captain Amaan made 26 runs, and Hardik Raj contributed 24 runs toward the end. For Bangladesh, Iqbal Hossain Emon claimed 3 wickets for 24 runs in 7 overs. Captain Tamim was exceptional, taking 3 wickets for just 8 runs from 14 balls, playing a key role in the final collapse. For India, Yudhajit Guha, Chetan Sharma, and Hardik Raj each took 2 wickets.