Bangladesh Under-19 went into the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 carrying expectations of thousands of fans. They were the champions of the last two editions, and as the Young Tigers left home, the hope was all about a third consecutive title. While that could not be achieved, the team signed off from the tournament with some positives and teachings for the future.
A start that raised belief
The opening match could not have gone any better for confidence, especially with the bat. Afghanistan Under-19 posted a challenging 283 for 7, powered by Faisal Shinozada’s century. It was a number which was never chased down before in Under-19 Asia Cup history.
Bangladesh’s top order’s reply was remarkably mature. Zawad Abrar and Rifat Beg batted like players who trusted both their intent and temperament. They rotated strike smoothly, kept the scoreboard moving, and never let pressure build. Zawad, in particular, showed clarity with his intent. He made room, went inside out when needed, and often took a single straight after a boundary, refusing to allow dot-ball pressure.
Their opening stand of 151 laid the platform. Rifat fell for 62 from 68 balls, but the chase never lost shape. Zawad then stitched another left-right partnership with captain Azizul Hakim Tamim. He fell just short of a century, scoring 96 from 112 balls, but by then the hardest work was done. For a record chase, Bangladesh ticked every box. Planning, execution, and composure all came together.
When bowlers took charge
If the first match belonged to the batters, the second belonged to the bowlers, with Zawad once again showing his batting strength.
Nepal Under-19 were 40 without loss in 6.3 overs when Saad Islam struck. That wicket opened the door, and Bangladesh’s seamers walked straight through it. Saad Islam, Shahriar Al-Amin, and Md Sobuj used the slow surface intelligently, extracting seam movement early and adjusting their pace as the pitch settled. Saad finished with two wickets, Shahriar took one, and Sobuj claimed three.
The spinners then took full control. Shahriar Ahmed, a brilliant left-arm spinner, and captain Azizul Hakim Tamim squeezed Nepal from both ends. Nepal were bowled out for 130, never able to rebuild.
The chase was routine. Zawad Abrar scored his second consecutive fifty and remained unbeaten on 70 from 68 balls. Bangladesh crossed the line comfortably, carrying momentum forward.
Repeating the pattern against Sri Lanka
The same balance between intent and control was visible against Sri Lanka Under-19, this time batting first. Zawad Abrar struck 49 from 36 balls, while Rifat Beg added 36 from 48. Again, strike rotation and smart shot selection stood out.
Defending 226, Bangladesh’s bowlers were disciplined. Iqbal Hossain Emon made early inroads with the new ball, keeping his line tight and forcing edges. His third wicket, that of Aadham Hilmy, effectively ended the contest. The spinners then tightened the grip. Samiun Basir Ratul and Shahriar Ahmed both conceded just 27 runs in their ten overs. They picked up two and three wickets respectively, ensuring Sri Lanka never threatened the chase.
What matters the most
Three matches in, Bangladesh looked settled, balanced, and confident. The journey ended in the semi-final against Pakistan Under-19, but youth tournaments are not defined only by trophies.
Speaking to the Daily Times of Bangladesh, former national captain Habibul Bashar offered perspective.
“Look, the Under-19 games are not just about winning. They are more about getting our future players ready. I feel like some players will be useful for our future,” he said.
He pointed to Zawad Abrar, captain Azizul Hakim Tamim, Kalam Siddiki, Rizan Hossain, Iqbal Hossain Emon, and Samiun Basir as players with clear potential. Preparing them for the next level, he stressed, remains the priority.
The emergence of a batter like Zawad, who plays with intent without recklessness, a new-ball bowler like Iqbal Hossain Emon, and a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder like Samiun Basir gave Bangladesh reasons to be optimistic, even without silverware.
A semi-final shaped by conditions
Still, the disappointment was real. With heavy expectations on the batting unit, Bangladesh collapsed when it mattered most. The semi-final was reduced to 27 overs after a long rain delay. Moisture lingered on the surface, and Pakistan’s fast bowlers used it expertly.
Zawad Abrar and Rifat Beg, so consistent at the top, fell early. Once they were gone, the innings never recovered. Eight of the ten wickets fell to pace, with Abdul Subhan claiming four. Bangladesh could not post a competitive total.
Pakistan chased the target without pressure, reaching it in just 16.3 overs. Sameer Minhas anchored the innings with an unbeaten 69 from 57 balls, mirroring the calm authority Zawad had shown earlier in the tournament.
Habibul Bashar felt circumstances played a role. “It’s a game of cricket, anything can happen. We played three very good games. What happened in the semi-final was unfortunate, and it can happen to any team,” he said.
“After the rain, there was moisture early on in the surface, which the Pakistani fast bowlers utilised really well. It’s all about a procedure of learning, and I hope our boys will learn from what happened in that game.”
Looking ahead
Bangladesh Under-19 returned home without the trophy they hoped for, but not empty-handed – as they came with experience. They showed composure in record chases, discipline with the ball, and glimpses of players who may shape the senior team in years to come.
