Defending champions Pakistan stormed into the final of the ACC Men's Under-19 Asia Cup with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first semi-final at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Thursday, 12 November.

Rizwanullah starred with the ball, taking five wickets as Bangladesh were dismissed for 138 in 31.4 overs, before openers Hayam Khan and Usman Khan shared a century partnership to complete the chase in just 21.5 overs.

Rizwanullah rips through Bangladesh

Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first, but their innings never gained momentum. Opener Abdullah Al Muhi held the innings together with a fighting half-century, making 50, while Rakibul Hossan added 26, but wickets fell steadily around them.

Rizwanullah led Pakistan's attack with figures of five for 30 from his eight overs and was named player of the match. Mohammad Sayyam supported him with two for 29 as Bangladesh were bowled out with more than 18 overs of their innings unused.

Openers seal a one-sided chase

Pakistan's reply was a procession. Hayam Khan and Usman Khan put on 123 for the first wicket, taking the game away from Bangladesh before it had really begun. Hayam made 69 from 72 balls, striking eight fours and one six, before he was dismissed with the target in sight.

Usman Khan remained unbeaten on 64, and Abdul Qadir finished eight not out as Pakistan reached 141 for one with 169 balls to spare, sealing one of the most one-sided semi-final wins in the tournament's recent history.

One win from a successful title defence

The victory was Pakistan's fourth in a row at the tournament, maintaining their unbeaten record as defending champions. They have now won all four of their matches at the competition, including a three-wicket win over India in the group stage on 8 November, and their bowlers have been the foundation of that run, with Rizwanullah's five-wicket haul the latest in a series of disciplined displays.

They will contest the final on Saturday, 14 November, at the same ground in Al Amerat, against the winner of the second semi-final between India and Afghanistan.

Pakistan's bowlers have been the foundation of their campaign, and their top order is in strong form at the right time. One more win would complete a successful defence of the title they won last year. Saturday's final will be played at the same Al Amerat ground that staged both semi-finals, with Pakistan aiming to complete an unbeaten defence of the title.

Sources: Cricket World, Geo Super