Chandigarh, December 9, 2024 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau)- Everyone expected Mohamed Amaan-led India to win the U19 Asia Cup final, but the match took an unexpected turn as India lost to Bangladesh by 59 runs. Despite a modest target of 199 runs, India’s batting lineup faltered, unable to chase down the total, leading to a comprehensive victory for Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium.
The crowd turnout was surprisingly in favour of Bangladesh in Dubai and fans gathered in huge numbers to support the defending champions of the U19 Asia Cup. Throughout the game, loud chants of ‘Allahu Akbar’ were heard ringing inside the Dubai Stadium which felt like a coliseum.
In the dying minutes of the fixture against India, when Bangladesh had their noses firmly in front, captain Azizul Hakim Tamim was seen pumping the crowd up to keep chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ loudly.
Fans reciprocated what was being asked by the Bangladesh captain and even the commentators could not stop but to discuss the entire matter.
Former Sri Lanka off-break bowler Roshan Abeysinghe said, “Is he trying to jee up the crowd? Wow. Well done.”
On the other hand, former India pacer Atul Wassan said, “They are all showmen. They know how to play to the galleries. This is what maturity and coming of age means.”
Summary: Bangladesh captain Azizul Hakim Tamim led the crowd in chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ during the final moments of the U-19 Asia Cup against India.