The final of the U19 Asia Cup 2024 saw a dramatic start to India’s chase as their star batter, Ayush Mhatre, fell for a mere single. Opening the innings under high expectations, Mhatre’s early dismissal by Mohammed Al Fahad handed Bangladesh the early momentum in the high-stakes encounter. The Indian camp was left stunned in just the second over, as Al Fahad produced a moment of brilliance that sent the Bangladesh fans into raptures.
A brilliant delivery undoes Ayush Mhatre
Bowling from over the wicket, Al Fahad showcased his skill with a superb full-length delivery that pitched outside the off-stump before jagging back sharply. The delivery, perfectly designed to lure the batter, tempted Mhatre into an ambitious drive. Overreaching for the ball, Mhatre extended his bat far away from his body, misjudging the movement. The ball took a thick inside edge, ricocheted off his bat, and crashed into the off-stump, leaving no room for recovery.
The sound of the stumps being uprooted marked the Bangladesh first breakthrough, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Bangladesh players and crowd. Left-arm pacer Maruf Mridha had already set the tone with a disciplined first over, building pressure from the outset. Al Fahad capitalized on this platform in the second over, delivering a masterclass in swing bowling to send Mhatre packing.
Here’s the video:
— Sunil Gavaskar (@gavaskar_theman) December 8, 2024
Also WATCH: Yudhajit Guha cleans up Kalam Siddiki with a jaffa during U19 Asia Cup 2024 Final
India U19 chases 199 against Bangladesh in Asia Cup 2024 Final
India U19 are chasing a target of 199 set by Bangladesh U19 in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Batting first, Bangladesh were bowled out for 198 in 49.1 overs, with key contributions from Rizan Hossan (47) and Mohammad Shihab James (40). India’s bowlers, led by Yudhajit Guha and Chetan Sharma with two wickets each, restricted Bangladesh effectively.
In reply, India have so far scored 68/3 in 18 overs. Captain Mohamed Amaan (7 not out) and KP Karthikeya (19 not out) are steadying the innings after early losses. Maruf Mridha and Rizan Hossan have also picked up wickets for Bangladesh, maintaining pressure on the Indian batters. With 131 runs needed in 32 overs and the required run rate marginally above four, the match is finely balanced.