MARGAO
Bangladesh regained it's status by claiming their maiden U-19 Asia Cup title at Dubai International Cricket Stadium after beating UAE by 87 runs.
Earlier, Ashiqur Rahman Shibli registered a stunning 129-run knock as Bangladesh posted 282 for 8 on the board after getting an invitation to bat first. Chowdhury Md Rizwan (60) and Ariful Islam (50) also gave important contributions with the bat. For UAE, Ayman Ahamed (4 for 52) was the top wicket-taker.
In a momentous achievement for the people of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Aayan Afzal Khan was over the moon after his country created a sorts of records in reaching the U-19 Asia Cup. Aayan's accomplishment was celebrated not only by his family members, relatives, and friends in the UAE but also garnered recognition and various sports bodies. Their warm wishes and support echoed the sentiment of a community rallying behind a rising sports star.
Aayan who has roots in Borda, Margao, attributes his exploits as an all-rounder to his stint with the DP World International League T20, where he rubbed shoulders with global stars in its first edition when he turned up for the tournament winners’ Gulf Giants.
"By following multiple international cricketers during the first season, I got an understanding of the approach and process they follow and how they go about each situation. I have tried applying some of their principles to my game and it has certainly helped me grow as a cricketer," Aayan expressed about his stint in the DP World ILT20 Season 1.
He has been the cynosure of UAE’s performance in the U-19 Asia Cup where he was awarded the player of the match twice in a span of three days. His 67 off 41 balls to help his team reach 320-7 in 50 overs against Japan while he played a crucial role in UAE’s win against Sri Lanka too – helping the team seal a berth in the semi-finals.
Aayan’s mercurial rise in international cricket was fostered by the Desert Cubs Cricket Academy, and even before he could turn 17, Aayan made his debut for UAE in both T20s and ODIs. He also represented UAE in the ICC U-19 World Cup in 2022 where he won the player of the match award after helping his team beat the West Indies with a brilliant knock of 93 runs along with a wicket off his bowling.
He holds the distinction of being the youngest cricketer to feature in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match at the tender age of 16 years and 335 days, when the UAE played the Netherlands in a Group A first round match in the 2022 edition.
While the Gulf Giants side boasts of the likes of global stars James Vince, Chris Lynn, Shimron Hetmyer, Carlos Brathwaite and Chris Jordan, Aayan Afzal Khan, the 18-year-old all-rounder from Sharjah, will be in focus as one of the emerging players in UAE particular after his success in the U19 Asia Cup, where UAE proved their mettle despite being considered as the underdogs in the tournament.
"I am happy with how my career is shaping, super excited and looking forward to yet another fascinating season with the Gulf Giants. Last season was absolutely magical and I absolutely can’t wait to get on with the upcoming edition. It can help boost my chances of finding a spot in one of the many leagues that take place around the world. Match winning performances will hopefully catch the eyes of scouts who are constantly on the look-out for young talent," stated an eager Aayan Khan.
“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, Alhamdulillah, it worked out. Aayan was saying, ‘You have done this before, just trust yourself.'
“When the last ball hit the stumps, it was amazing. It was such a relief. After so much hard work, it felt like it had paid off, and hopefully we can do this in the finals as well.”
The DP World ILT20 Season 2 will feature Australia’s World Cup hero David Warner, Andre Russell, David Willey, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Alex Hales, Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Jordan, Trent Boult, Nicholas Pooran, Chris Woakes and Maheesh Theekshana. More than 100 international and 24 UAE players will feature in the tournament.
The DP World ILT20 will begin on Friday, 19th January in Sharjah with a clash between the Giants and Sharjah Warriors. The tournament final will be staged at the iconic ‘Ring of Fire’ Dubai International Stadium.
