UAE win hearts but outstanding Bangladesh take U19 Asia Cup title in Dubai

The latest crop of likely lads from the UAE fell short of a fairy tale finish in the Under-19 Asia Cup, but were sure they had “won so many people's hearts”.

The age-group side were soundly beaten by an outstanding Bangladesh team in the final at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

Ashiqur Rahman Shibli repelled a fine new-ball onslaught by the home attack, and batted to the final over of the Bangladesh innings.

The opener’s 129 underpinned a total of 282 for eight from their 50 overs. That would have been daunting enough on a good day, but the UAE’s batters endured a rare faulty one.

They were blown away by Bangladesh’s multi-pronged attack, subsiding to 87 all out and a 195-run defeat.

They were bidding for their third win in the competition against a side from a Test nation, having downed Sri Lanka and Pakistan en route to the final.

“They are a Test nation, but we did beat two of those to reach here,” Dhruv Parashar, the UAE all-rounder, said.

“Today wasn’t good for us, but in reaching here we showed there is no difference between an Associate nation and a Test nation. We defied the odds.

“Having played Bangladesh in the group game, we knew we had a very strong team. We didn’t have a good batting day, and there was also a little bit in the occasion and the fact they had all the fans behind them.

“I am very proud of everyone as a whole, and it is a great thing we have achieved. We have put UAE [on the map] by reaching the final.”

No matter that the majority were there supporting the opposition, the Emirates Cricket Board’s plea for fans to come along to support proved a success and made the atmosphere a rowdy one.

Around 4,000-5,000 were there, cheering the “Junior Tigers” to their win. Bangladesh’s 12th man