Pakistan reach U19 World Cup semi-finals after thrilling win over Bangladesh

Ubaid Shah's fiery five-for sealed a semi-final spot for Pakistan as they beat Bangladesh by five runs in the Super Sixes match of the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Benoni on Saturday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

Rohanat Doullah Borson's all-round performance was not enough to prevent the defeat.

Bangladesh had to chase down the target of 156 inside 38.1 overs to stay ahead of Pakistan's net run rate but they couldn't do it.Top-order dasher Jishan Alam (19 off 12) got off to a rollicking start but his innings was short-lived.

Ubaid Shah's burst limited Bangladesh to 83 for six in the 20th over, leaving James and Rabby to do a tough job.

The duo added 40 off 61 but Ubaid came back to get James (26 off 43) out. Captain Rabby fell soon and it was the last nail in the coffin.

Ubaid, brother of speedster Naseem Shah, battled through pain and left dropped catches behind to pick up a five-wicket haul.

Borson and Sheikh Paevez Jibon shared eight wickets between them to fold Pakistan for 155 in 40.4 overs.

Arafat Minhas top-scored for Pakistan with 34 off 40 deliveries. Shahzaib Khan scored 26 off 67 deliveries.

After seeing off the first few overs, Shahzaib Khan and Shamyl Hussain opened their arms. The latter took the lead in run-scoring but also fell after he left Rohanat Doullah Borson delivery that jagged in and crashed against his off stump.

 Although Pakistan were at a relatively safe 50/1 at the end of the first Powerplay, the Tigers struck back in the middle overs. Led by Borson, and Sheikh Jibon, they ran through the Pakistan top and middle-order. The side had lost their sixth wicket for 89. The batting innings never recovered from this start and couldn't bat out their quota of overs.

 Jibon and Borson were the most efficient Bangladesh bowlers. Both of them finished with identical figures of 4/24.Ubaid Shah fought back for Pakistan with two quick wickets up front, including the aggressive Jishan Alam. He returned to get a third wicket in the form of Ahrar Amin. The batter edged one away from the first slip, but Haroon Arshad dived to take a brilliant catch. Ubaid's third was Bangladesh's fourth wicket, and the side needed Ariful Islam and Md Shihab James to stand up for them.

 But Ariful fell in the very next over. He had nearly succeeded in dispatching an Ali Raza delivery past point, but the ball was brilliantly intercepted by Shamyl, who took a stunning blinder at point. In the 20th over, Ubaid struck for a fourth time to reduce Bangladesh at 83/6.

 Shihab and newcomer Mahfuzur Rahman set about rebuilding the chase, of which 73 runs remained. Shihab took the lead in scoring, while Mahfuzur remained solid at the other end. Shihab was lucky to survive in the 29th over, when Ubaid couldn't hold on to a straight forward catch.

 However, Ubaid made amends in the very next over by snaring Shihab. Ali Raza contributed soon after, and Pakistan were on top once more.

 Pakistan were nearly there when a direct hit got them the ninth wicket at 127. However, Borson and Maruf Mridha fought on for the final wicket. The duo brought Bangladesh at the brink, and the side needed merely six runs to win by the 37th over. However, Mohammad Zeeshan forced Maruf to fend one back to his stump, and managed to wrap things for Pakistan.

A superb bowling effort saw Pakistan being bowled out for 155. Bangladesh needed to win the contest in 38.1 overs, but fell short by five runs.

Now, Pakistan clash with Australia to reserve place in U19 World Final on Feb 8.