In a thrilling encounter on Sunday, December 8, at the Dubai International Stadium, the Bangladesh U19 cricket team once again proved their mettle by defeating India to clinch their second consecutive ACC U19 Asia Cup title. The victory highlighted their consistent dominance in the tournament and showcased their flair and joy in celebrating with a spirited dance to Dwayne Bravo’s hit song ‘Champion’ in the dressing room.
This remarkable achievement was built on a collective team effort, with both batsmen and bowlers rising to the occasion. The young Bangladeshi cricketers displayed poise, skill, and unwavering determination throughout the match, ensuring that they continued their reign as champions of the Asian cricketing scene.
A Competitive First Innings: Bangladesh Sets a Target of 198
Winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bat first on a pitch offering a fair balance of assistance to both bowlers and batsmen. Their innings started cautiously, but key contributions from Mohammad Shihab James, Md Rizan Hossan, and Md Farid Hasan Faysal soon stabilized it. Shihab James provided a steady start with a composed 40 runs, setting the stage for his teammates to capitalize.
Md Rizan Hossan played an anchoring role, scoring 47 runs, while Md Farid Hasan Faysal’s aggressive 39 runs ensured Bangladesh posted a competitive total. Their disciplined approach allowed them to overcome India’s consistent wicket-taking efforts. For India, Yudhajit Guha, Chetan Sharma, and Hardik Raj each claimed two wickets, keeping the Bangladeshi batsmen in check and preventing the score from escalating too much.
By the end of their innings, Bangladesh set a respectable target of 198 runs, a score that demanded a focused chase from the Indian side.
India’s Struggle: Early Wickets Prove Costly
India’s chase got off to a shaky start as both their openers, Ayush Mhatre (1) and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (9), fell cheaply, putting the team under immediate pressure. The early breakthroughs by Bangladesh’s bowlers set the tone for the remainder of the innings, as India found themselves constantly battling against the tide.
Though Andre Siddarth C (20), KP Karthikeya (21), and Mohamed Amaan (26) made brief attempts to rebuild the innings, none could convert their starts into significant scores. The inability to establish partnerships and the frequent loss of wickets left India reeling. At the halfway mark, they had already lost half their side for just 73 runs, a precarious position from which recovery seemed unlikely.
Bangladesh’s bowlers, especially Iqbal Hossain Emon and Md Azizul Hakim Tamim, were relentless in their approach. Both picked up three wickets each, dismantling India’s middle and lower order with precision and aggression. The disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured that India were bowled out for just 139 runs, 59 runs short of the target.
The Celebration: Dancing to ‘Champion’
As the final Indian wicket fell, jubilant scenes erupted among the Bangladeshi players and support staff. The victory signaled more than just a title win—it was a testament to the team’s hard work, unity, and resilience. Once in the dressing room, the young Tigers celebrated in style, dancing enthusiastically to Dwayne Bravo’s iconic song ‘Champion,’ a fitting anthem for their remarkable achievement.
The joyous celebration captured the spirit of youthful exuberance and confidence, echoing their belief that they were indeed the champions of Asian youth cricket. The song, a symbol of victory and swagger, perfectly encapsulates their journey and triumph.
Back-to-Back Glory: Bangladesh’s U19 Asia Cup Legacy
This triumph marked Bangladesh’s second consecutive ACC U19 Asia Cup title. In the previous edition, held in 2023, they defeated the United Arab Emirates to claim their first-ever championship. The repeat victory not only solidified Bangladesh’s standing in U19 cricket but also signaled the emergence of a new generation of talented players ready to make their mark on the international stage.
The consistency of performance, strategic execution, and emotional intensity displayed by the team over the past two years highlight the depth of cricketing talent in Bangladesh. The development programs and coaching systems appear to be bearing fruit, offering hope for continued success at higher levels of the sport.
The Road Ahead
This victory is bound to boost the confidence of Bangladesh’s young cricketers as they look forward to more international challenges, including the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. The experience of winning tight, high-stakes matches will undoubtedly serve them well in the future.
For now, though, the Bangladeshi players, coaches, and fans will cherish this moment of triumph—a moment defined by skill, teamwork, and the pure joy of cricket. The echoes of ‘Champion’ will linger as a reminder of what they achieved and the potential that lies ahead
