Superb UAE shock Pakistan in Under-19 Asia Cup semi-final

The UAE will face Bangladesh in the Under-19 Asia Cup final at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday after stunning Pakistan in the semi-final.

The age-group side closed out a thrilling 11-run win in the last over to claim their second success against a full Test-playing nation in the tournament so far.

Pakistan were the overwhelming favourites coming into the game. They dominated their group, with comprehensive wins over India, Afghanistan and Nepal.

To emphasise how formidable their line up is, a number of their players had been picked up in the Pakistan Super League draft on Wednesday night.

And yet it was the host nation who earned another remarkable victory, having knocked Sri Lanka out in the group stage, to take their place in Sunday’s showpiece.

Again, Aayan Khan led the way for his side. The UAE captain picked up his third player of the match award in a row, and it was not obvious which facet of the game he excelled in the most.

First, he marshalled the tail with a half century from No 7 in the order, to help his side post 193. Then he conceded just 31 from his 10 overs of left-arm spin.

Perhaps most impressive of all was the way he juggled his bowling resources, as the home team strangled Pakistan’s vaunted batting line-up in the run chase.

Confirmed: they’re chuffed

U19 Asia Cup final, UAE (!) v Bangladesh on Sunday, at the stadium. Free entry. Be rude not to, wouldn’t it? pic.twitter.com/APqmAEz1t5

It left them needing 12 off the final over with two wickets left. Ayman Ahamed betrayed no nerves as he picked up both wickets within the first three balls of his over.

“I had a feeling I might be bowling, and in domestic cricket my main role had been to bowl at the death,” Ayman said.

“I felt pretty confident and,