India Edge Pakistan by One Wicket to Win Under-19 Asia Cup
News Desk
AL AMERAT: India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by one wicket in a thrilling final to lift the Under-19 Asia Cup trophy, successfully chasing a challenging target of 338 runs in the final over.
In the final played in Al Amerat, Oman, Pakistan posted an imposing 337 for nine in their allotted 50 overs. However, India held their nerve in a tense run chase, reaching the target despite losing nine wickets to secure the championship.
Usman Khan, Abdul Qadir Lead Pakistan’s Batting Charge
Pakistan made a confident start after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Openers Usman Khan and Hayam Khan added 62 runs for the first wicket before Hayam was dismissed for 21.
Usman then combined with Abdul Qadir to strengthen Pakistan’s position through a crucial 135-run partnership for the second wicket.
Abdul Qadir delivered an explosive performance, scoring 80 off just 54 balls, including eight sixes and three fours. Usman Khan, meanwhile, anchored the innings with an impressive 107 off 111 deliveries, hitting 11 fours and three sixes before departing in the 37th over with Pakistan at 240.
Captain Farhan Yousuf further consolidated the innings with 63 runs off 60 balls, including four fours and three sixes. He shared a 55-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Ahmed Hussain, who contributed 17 runs.
Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals towards the end of the innings. Hasnain Abbas Dar scored two, Hamza Zahoor made 10, Muhammad Siyam added seven, while Naqab Shafiq contributed 11 runs.
For India, Kavya Paresh Patel claimed four wickets for 68 runs, while Venkata took three wickets and Arjun Rajput picked up one.
India Complete Dramatic Run Chase
Chasing 338 for victory, India produced a determined batting performance, combining calculated aggression with resilience under pressure.
Despite losing nine wickets, the Indian batters managed to reach the target in the final over, sealing a memorable one-wicket victory and denying Pakistan the championship.
The result marked a dramatic turnaround after Pakistan had defeated India by three wickets during the group stage of the tournament.
Pakistan Elect to Bat After Winning Toss
Earlier, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousuf won the toss and opted to bat, citing favourable batting conditions.
Pakistan’s playing XI comprised Farhan Yousuf (captain), Usman Khan, Hayam Khan, Abdul Qadir, Ahmed Hussain, Hasnain Abbas Dar, Hamza Zahoor (wicketkeeper), Muhammad Siyam, Naqab Shafiq, Rizwanullah and Ali Raza.
Pakistan booked their place in the final with a nine-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the semi-final. Rizwanullah starred with the ball, taking five wickets, while Hayam Khan scored 69 runs and Usman Khan remained unbeaten on 64.
India, meanwhile, secured their final berth after defeating Afghanistan by eight wickets.
Although Pakistan had beaten India by three wickets in the group stage, India turned the tables in the title clash to emerge as champions.
In the previous edition’s final, Pakistan had defeated India to claim the Under-19 Asia Cup title for the first time. However, this time, India prevailed in another high-voltage encounter between the two traditional rivals to take home the trophy.
