The Indian team faced another crushing disappointment in the final of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup, as Bangladesh managed to retain their title with a commanding 59-run victory in Dubai on Sunday. This defeat came as a double blow for Indian fans, who had just witnessed the senior team, led by Rohit Sharma, suffer a humiliating 10-wicket loss against Australia in Adelaide. The junior team's loss to Bangladesh only added to the heartache.

Initially, it seemed India was poised for a triumphant comeback. Bangladesh, after losing the toss and being sent in to bat, struggled early on, losing both openers with just 41 runs on the board. However, Mohammad Shihab James and Rizan Hossan steadied the innings with a crucial 62-run partnership. Farid Hasan Faysal then contributed 39 runs, helping Bangladesh reach a total of 198.

Despite the challenging target of 199, the Indian junior side made a disastrous start to their chase. The opening duo of Ayush Mhatre (1) and Rajasthan Royals prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi (9) were dismissed within the first five overs of the power play. Andre Siddarth and KP Karthikeya briefly revived hopes with a 22-run partnership, but Rizan Hossan's right-arm pace shattered India's chances.

Bangladesh's bowlers dominated the match, with Siddarth being the first to fall, clean bowled by Hossan for 20. Iqbal Hossain Emon then decimated India's middle order, taking crucial wickets in the 21st over, including Karthikeya for 21 and Nikhil Kumar for a two-ball duck. With India reeling at 73 for 5, captain Mohamed Amaan needed to deliver a special performance to turn the tide, but he found no support from his teammates.

Emon continued to torment India, dismissing Harvansh Singh for 6. Hardik Raj's brief innings offered a glimmer of hope, but it was short-lived as Azizul Hakim Tamim ended Amaan's resistance, reducing India to 115 for 8. The tail end offered little resistance, and Bangladesh sealed the victory with India finishing on 139, successfully defending their title.

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