NEW DELHI: Wicketkeeper-batsman Ashiqur Rahman Shibli continued his impressive form with a second century in five matches as Bangladesh secured a resounding 195-run victory over UAE to claim the Under-19 Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday.
Opting to bat after winning the toss, Ashiqur played a stellar innings, smashing 12 fours and one six on his way to a score of 129 from 149 balls.Bangladesh posted a formidable total of 282/8.
In response, UAE faltered, folding up for 87 in 24.5 overs, and Bangladesh emerged victorious in the eight-nation tournament with a perfect record of five wins from five games.
The seam trio of left-arm quick Maruf Mridha (7-0-29-3), Iqbal Hossain Emon (6-0-15-2), and Rohanat Doullah Borson (6-2-26-3) caused a stir, reducing UAE to 61/7 within the first 15 overs.
Off-spinner Sheikh Paevez Jibon (4.5-1-7-2) then wrapped up the issue with his tidy spell. For UAE, Dhruv Parashar waged a lone battle at No. 4 to be 25 not out.
Opener Akshat Rai (11) was the next-best scorer, while the others failed to reach double digits.
For Bangladesh, Ashiqur finished with 378 runs from five innings at 126.00 to be adjudged both player of the match and series.
Chowdhury Mohammad Rizwan (60; 71b), Ariful Islam (50; 40b) and skipper Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby’s quickfire 21 (11b) also contributed significantly in Bangladesh’s innings.
Brief scores:
Bangladesh: 282/8 in 50 overs (Ashiqur Rahman Shibli 129, Chowdhury Md Rizwan 60, Ariful Islam 50; Ayman Ahamed 4/52, Omid Rehman 2/41) b UAE 87 in 24.5 overs (Dhruv Parashar 25 not out; Maruf Mridha 3/29, Rohanat Doullah Borson 3/26, Sheikh Paevez Jibon 2/7) by 195 runs.
(With PTI Inputs)