Bangladesh's campaign in the Youth Asia Cup came to an end in the semi-finals after a disappointing nine-wicket defeat against Pakistan. A devastating bowling performance from Rizwanullah restricted Bangladesh to just 138 runs before Pakistan's opening batters comfortably chased down the target in only 21.5 overs. The defending champions secured their place in the final with a dominant performance in Al Amerat, Oman, on Thursday.

The defeat marked another heartbreaking semi-final exit for Bangladesh against Pakistan. The same opponents had knocked them out at the semi-final stage in the previous edition in December. On that occasion, Bangladesh were bowled out for 122 in a rain-affected match and suffered an eight-wicket defeat.

After winning the toss, Bangladesh elected to bat first but struggled to build momentum from the beginning. Pakistan pacer Mohammad Sayam struck early, dismissing opener SK Zarif Siam caught behind in the second over. Kawser Ahmed followed him back to the pavilion in the sixth over after being bowled.

Abdullah Al Muhi and captain Farid Hasan attempted to steady the innings with a partnership in the middle. Their efforts briefly brought Bangladesh back into the contest, but Pakistan's fifth bowling option, Rizwanullah, changed the game with a crucial breakthrough.

Coming into the attack in the 13th over, Rizwanullah dismissed Farid with his third delivery, breaking a 43-run partnership. Bangladesh suffered another setback in the following over when previous-match centurion Ahsan Al Mumin was dismissed for 15. He had scored an impressive 152 runs in the previous match.

Despite losing partners at the other end, Muhi continued to fight and brought up a valuable half-century. However, his resistance ended when he was caught behind off Rizwanullah while attempting an aggressive shot. The opener scored 50 off 45 deliveries, including four boundaries and two sixes.

Bangladesh's lower order failed to provide any meaningful resistance. Al Rafi contributed 20 runs, while Rakibul Hasan added 26, but neither could prevent the collapse. Rizwanullah finished with remarkable figures of five wickets for 30 runs, dismantling Bangladesh's batting lineup. Sayam supported him with two wickets as Bangladesh were bowled out for 138.

Chasing a modest target, Pakistan's openers Usman Khan and Hayam Khan made the task look effortless. They attacked the Bangladesh bowlers from the start and built a commanding opening partnership. Pakistan reached 50 in the ninth over and crossed the 100-run mark in the 17th over.

Hayam was eventually dismissed by Rabiul Hasan Anik when Pakistan were close to victory. He scored 69 off 72 deliveries, hitting eight fours and a six. Usman remained unbeaten on 64 from just 54 balls, striking seven boundaries and two sixes to guide Pakistan home.

Pakistan completed the chase in 21.5 overs, losing just one wicket. The entire match lasted only 53.3 overs across both innings, highlighting Bangladesh's struggles with both bat and ball.

In the other semi-final, India are taking on Afghanistan while chasing a target of 228 runs. The final of the Youth Asia Cup is scheduled to take place on Saturday.