ICC U19 World Cup 2024: Pakistan Secure Semi-Final Birth As Bangladesh Lose Thriller By 5 Runs

Pakistan secure a spot in the Under-19 World Cup 2024 semi-final by defeating Bangladesh with a narrow margin of five runs.

Players of Pakistan celebrating the wicket of Maruf Mridha of Bangladesh and victory by 5 runs during the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup South Africa 2024 on February 03, 2024. ( Image Source :Getty )

Pakistan secured a narrow five-run victory over Bangladesh in a gripping low-scoring encounter, earning them a spot in the semi-finals of the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa. To qualify for the knockout stage in the Super Six match, Bangladesh had to successfully chase down a target of 156 in 38.1 overs, but Pakistan managed to dismiss them for 150. Consequently, Pakistan joined India as the second team from Group A in the Super Six round to advance to the semi-finals.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, a magnificent display of bowling prowess from Bangladesh in the first innings saw Pakistan bundled out for 155 runs. Bangladesh needed to secure victory within 38.1 overs to gain a net run rate advantage over Pakistan, which would have secured their spot in the semi-finals. However, they narrowly missed the mark by five runs in a thrilling encounter in Benoni.

Watch The Match Highlights Here:

WHAT.A.MATCH!

A nail-biting five-run victory has sealed Pakistan’s #U19WorldCup 2024 semi-final spot 👏

Match Highlights 🎥 pic.twitter.com/rslgvKwE2j

— ICC (@ICC) February 3, 2024

After being put in to bat first and navigating the initial overs, Pakistan's opening duo, Shahzaib Khan and Shamyl Hussain, initiated an aggressive batting approach. Hussain took charge of the scoring but eventually fell victim to a well-disguised delivery from Rohanat Doullah Borson, which sharply jagged in and uprooted his off stump. Despite a seemingly stable position at 50/1 by the conclusion of the first Powerplay, Bangladesh's bowling attack, led by Borson and Sheikh Jibon, mounted a strong resurgence during the middle overs and ultimately got Pakistan all-out for just 155 runs. Jibon and Borson emerged as standout performers for Bangladesh with identical and impressive figures of 4/24 each.

In the second innings, Ubaid Shah mounted a comeback for Pakistan by claiming two quick wickets upfront. Maintaining the momentum, Ubaid, supported by Ali Raza and Mohammad Zeeshan, consistently took wickets, restricting Bangladesh to 127 for 9 wickets. As the situation looked challenging for Bangladesh, Rohanat Doullah Borson provided a glimmer of hope with a crucial six off Arafat Minhas. However, the optimism was short-lived, as with just 6 runs needed in 14 balls, Borson found himself stranded when his batting partner Maruf Mridha fell to Zeeshan. Unfortunately for Bangladesh, they were unable to chase the target successfully.