MUSCAT – Pakistan Under-19 were missed chance for comeback as India pulled off extraordinary one-wicket victory on the final delivery of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup final.
Boys in Green had virtually one hand on trophy after reducing India to 252/8 while defending massive 338-run target. With only two wickets remaining and 86 runs still needed, the championship appeared firmly within Pakistan’s reach. But what followed was a remarkable reversal of fortunes.
India’s lower order produced an astonishing fightback, spearheaded by Mohit Ulva’s unbeaten 49 off just 26 balls, to reach 339/9 in 50 overs and snatch the continental crown from their arch-rivals at Al Amerat Cricket Ground. The dramatic finish left Pakistan reflecting on a golden opportunity wasted despite three outstanding batting performances and a bowling effort that had brought them within touching distance of victory.
Few would have backed India to complete the chase after Pakistan’s bowlers had dismantled much of their batting lineup. Indians required another 86 runs with just two wickets in hand, and Pakistan appeared to be closing in on a memorable triumph. Mohit Ulva turns heads as he launched fearless counterattack, taking on Pakistan’s bowlers with extraordinary display of power-hitting.
The lower-order batter smashed three sixes during his unbeaten 49, maintaining a stunning strike rate of 188.46 as India’s seemingly impossible target gradually came within reach.
Chigurupati Venkata provided crucial assistance, remaining unbeaten on 11 from eight deliveries and helping India survive the closing stages. The pair’s resistance transformed the atmosphere of the contest as Pakistan’s comfortable position rapidly disappeared. India eventually completed the remarkable chase on the last delivery, sealing a one-wicket triumph that shattered Pakistan’s hopes of retaining the Asia Cup.
Earlier, Pakistan had produced a commanding batting performance after winning the toss and choosing to bat first. Openers Usman Khan and Hayam Khan laid a solid foundation with a 62-run partnership before Hayam departed for 21 from 23 balls. The opening wicket brought Abdul Qadir to the crease, and the attacking batter wasted little time in putting India’s bowlers under pressure.
Qadir unleashed a brutal assault, smashing eight sixes and three fours in a spectacular 80-run knock from only 54 deliveries. His aggressive approach kept Pakistan’s scoring rate high and raised expectations of an even bigger total. Usman, meanwhile, displayed patience and excellent shot selection as he held the innings together.
The opener struck 107 from 111 balls, finding the boundary 11 times and clearing the ropes on three occasions. Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf continued the momentum with an impressive 63 off 60 deliveries, featuring four fours and three sixes. With three major contributions at the top of the order, Pakistan looked well-positioned to push beyond 350. However, India managed to restrict the damage during the final overs.
Kavya Paresh Patel grabbed four wickets while conceding 68 runs, and Chigurupati Venkata returned figures of 3/40 as Pakistan finished at 337/9.
Chasing 338 in a high-pressure final, India began confidently through captain Lakshya Raichandani and Aaryavir Sehwag. The opening pair frustrated Pakistan with a 95-run partnership, briefly shifting the momentum towards India. Sehwag played positively from the outset, striking nine boundaries on his way to 58 off 61 balls.
Pakistan eventually secured the breakthrough through Niqab Shafiq, who removed Sehwag to end the dangerous opening stand. Raichandani continued to anchor the chase, scoring 80 from 101 deliveries with five fours. But Pakistan’s bowlers responded by attacking India’s middle order, gradually increasing the pressure on the chasing side.
Rizwanullah dismissed VK Vineeth for 24 and Arjun Rajput for 16, while India suffered another blow when Anvay Dravid was run out by Pakistan skipper Farhan Yousaf after scoring 19. At 217/6, India were in serious trouble, with the required scoring rate continuing to rise.
The defeat was especially painful because Pakistan had controlled substantial phases of the contest. Usman Khan’s century had provided the backbone of a formidable innings, Abdul Qadir had destroyed India’s bowling rhythm with his explosive hitting, and captain Farhan Yousaf had strengthened the total with a valuable half-century.
