Boys in Green pulled off stunning comeback against arch-rivals India in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 as Hamza Zahoor smashed an unbeaten century to turn a near-certain defeat into a remarkable three-wicket victory in Oman.
What looked like crushing defeat for Pakistan changed into unforgettable triumph at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground, where the Green Shirts recovered from a disastrous 65-5 to chase down India’s 209-run target in the 49th over. With five wickets gone and India tightening their grip on the contest, Zahoor delivered an innings of exceptional courage, finishing unbeaten on 100 from 108 deliveries, including 10 fours and three sixes.
His sensational performance, supported by a crucial partnership with Hasnain Abbas Dar, silenced India’s bowling attack and secured a memorable victory in one of youth cricket’s fiercest rivalries.
Pakistan’s pursuit of 209 began disastrously, with India’s bowlers making early breakthroughs and putting the Green Shirts under enormous pressure. Jahangir Bilal became the first casualty, departing for five runs in the third over after falling to Ishan Sood.
Usman Khan, who had struck a century against the UAE in Pakistan’s previous encounter, failed to carry his form into the high-stakes clash. He scored 16 off 23 balls before Mohit Ulva ended his innings.
Manal Chauhan increased Pakistan’s troubles by dismissing Abdul Qadir for 20 off 27 deliveries, leaving the team struggling at 55-3 after 12.3 overs. India’s dominance continued when Kavya Paresh Patel removed Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf for just two runs.
Chauhan then delivered another major blow, dismissing Ahmed Hussain for eight off 27 balls as Pakistan crashed to 65-5. At that stage, India appeared firmly on course for victory, with Pakistan needing an extraordinary rescue effort to keep their hopes alive.
With Pakistan’s batting lineup in ruins, Hamza Zahoor and Hasnain Abbas Dar launched a remarkable counterattack that changed the complexion of the match. Rather than surrendering under pressure, the pair frustrated India’s bowlers through disciplined batting and intelligent shot selection.
Their outstanding 107-run sixth-wicket partnership brought Pakistan back into contention, with Zahoor leading the recovery and Abbas Dar providing crucial stability.
As partnership developed, Zahoor reached his half-century and gradually shifted the momentum towards Pakistan.
Abbas Dar also showed remarkable composure, scoring 38 off 67 deliveries with two boundaries before Chauhan finally broke the partnership. His dismissal left Pakistan at 168-6 in the 38th over, giving India another opportunity to regain control. The tension intensified when Mohammad Sayyam departed for four off 13 deliveries after being dismissed by Mohit Ulva.
Earlier, India chose to bat first but immediately found themselves under pressure from Pakistan’s aggressive bowling attack. Fast bowler Ali Raza delivered a dream start, removing Indian captain Lakshya Raichandani for a duck on the second ball of the opening over.
Raza struck again to dismiss VK Vineeth for eight off 29 deliveries, while Rizwanullah removed Yashbardhan Chauhan for just one run. The triple blow reduced India to 22-3 in 11.4 overs, leaving their top order in complete disarray. Aaryavir Sehwag briefly attempted to revive the innings, striking a four and a six during his 22 off 30 balls, before Niqab Shafiq dismissed him.
Anvay Dravid then joined Arjun Rajput in an attempt to rebuild the innings, but his stay ended on 10 off 16 deliveries when Shafiq struck again. With wickets falling regularly, Rajput emerged as India’s main source of resistance.
While Pakistan’s bowlers continued to create problems, Arjun Rajput produced a brilliant counterattacking innings to keep India competitive. Rajput combined with Manal Chauhan in a crucial partnership, adding 64 runs and taking the Indian innings beyond 150.
The young batter dominated the bowling attack with powerful strokes, completing his maiden Youth ODI century despite the pressure surrounding him. His explosive 107 from only 85 deliveries featured 11 fours and five sixes, making him India’s standout performer. However, Pakistan struck at crucial moments to prevent India from building an imposing total.
Rizwanullah dismissed Manal Chauhan for 11 off 19 balls before claiming the prized wicket of Rajput, whose dismissal left India at 170-7 in the 36th over. With their leading run-scorer gone, India’s hopes of posting a significantly larger total suffered a major setback.
Pakistan’s bowlers maintained their attacking approach throughout the innings, ensuring India never fully recovered from their early collapse. Ali Raza returned to dismiss Yashveer Goud for four off 14 balls, securing his third wicket of the match. Niqab Shafiq also completed a three-wicket haul by removing Mohit Ulva, who contributed seven off 12 deliveries.
Kavya Paresh Patel attempted to extend India’s innings with 23 off 45 balls, but Mohammad Sayyam eventually dismissed him to bring the innings to an end. India were bowled out for 208, with Pakistan’s bowling attack producing an impressive collective performance.
