India secured a hard-fought one-wicket victory against Pakistan to claim the U-19 Asia Cup title in Al Amerat, Oman. The match remained in the balance until the final stages, with India’s lower-order batters stepping up to guide the side to a narrow win after the team’s top-order players were dismissed.
Pakistan, the defending champions, set a competitive target after scoring 337 for nine in their allotted overs. Opener Usman Khan anchored the innings with a composed 107 off 106 balls, supported significantly by Abdul Qadir, who contributed a rapid 80 runs off 54 balls. The pair added 135 runs in 18 overs, providing a strong platform for their team. Skipper Farhan Yousaf later added 60 runs off 63 balls to push the total past 300. India’s bowling effort was led by pacer Kavya Patel, who finished with figures of 4/68, while C. Venkata claimed 3/40.
India’s pursuit of the 338-run target saw captain Lakshya Raichandani and Aaryavir Sehwag provide a steady start, scoring 80 and 58 respectively. However, the team faced a collapse as the middle order struggled; Arjun Rajput made 16, VK Vineeth managed 24, Yashbardhan Chauhan scored 9, and Anvay Dravid was run out for 19. With the team in a precarious position, Mohit Ulva and Manal Chauhan built a crucial 57-run partnership. Their ninth-wicket stand, complemented by 11 runs from Chigurupati Venkata, ultimately secured the victory.
Key facts
- India won the U-19 Asia Cup final by a margin of one wicket.
- Pakistan’s innings concluded at 337 for nine, led by Usman Khan’s 107.
- Kavya Patel took four wickets for 68 runs for the Indian side.
- The match took place in Al Amerat, Oman.
- The decisive ninth-wicket partnership between Mohit Ulva and Manal Chauhan contributed 57 runs.
Why it matters
This result marks a significant turnaround for the Indian side, as it serves as a repeat of the previous year's final where Pakistan had defeated India. By holding firm in the face of a high-scoring chase, India’s lower-order lineup successfully reversed the outcome of the tournament's previous edition.
Source: Indian Express
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