Fast bowler Rizwanullah took five wickets and openers Hayam Khan and Usman Khan stroked half-centuries as defending champions Pakistan blasted their way into the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup final with a nine-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Oman on Thursday.

Rizwanullah returned figures of 8-0-30-5, while Mohammad Seyam took two for 29 as Pakistan bowled Bangladesh out for 138 in 31.4 overs. Bangladesh were looking decent at 68 for two in the 13th over before Rizwanullah wreaked havoc with the white ball and later won the player of the match award.

Abdullah Al Muhi gave Bangladesh a brisk start with 50 from 45 balls with four fours and two sixes, and Seyam removed SK Jarif Siyam and Kawser Ahmed early. But the innings fell apart from 68 for two, with Bangladesh losing eight wickets for 70 runs.

Only Rakibul Hossan (26 from 39 balls), Ali Rafi (20) and captain Farid Hasan (17) offered resistance, while Hasnain Abbas Dar, Ali Raza and Ahmed Hussain took a wicket each.

Wicketkeeper Hamza Zahoor was involved in four of the ten dismissals, with three catches and a stumping.

Hayam then belted eight fours and a six in a 72-ball 69 and Usman slapped seven fours and two sixes in a 54-ball 64 not out to take Pakistan to victory in 21.5 overs. The two added 123 runs for the first wicket in 20.4 overs.

This was Pakistan’s fourth consecutive victory in the tournament. They will meet the winner of India and Afghanistan in the final on Saturday. At the time of filing this report, India were 132 for one in 20 overs in pursuit of a 228-run target.

Scores in brief

Semi-final – Pakistan U19 beat Bangladesh U19 by nine wickets, Oman

Bangladesh U19 138 all-out, 31.4 overs (Abdullah Al Muhi 50, Rakibul Hossan 26, Ali Rafi 20, Farid Hasan 17; Rizwanullah 5-30, Mohammad Seyam 2-29)

Pakistan U19 141-1, 21.5 overs (Hayam Khan 69, Usman Khan 64 not out)

Player of the match – Rizwanullah (Pakistan U19)

Previous results

Pakistan U19 beat UAE U19 by nine wickets

Pakistan U19 beat India U19 by three wickets

Pakistan U19 beat Nepal U19 by 101 runs