Al Amerat (Rajeev Sharma): India pulled off a remarkable one-wicket victory over Pakistan in a last-ball thriller to win the Under-19 Asia Cup title in Al Amerat, Oman, on Saturday.
Chasing a daunting target of 338, India were staring at defeat at 252 for eight in the 42nd over. However, Mohit Ulva and Manal Chauhan produced a crucial ninth-wicket partnership to keep the chase alive and take the team within reach of victory.
India eventually finished at 339 for nine in 50 overs, with Mohit sealing the title in dramatic fashion by hitting a boundary off the final delivery bowled by Pakistan leg-spinner Ahmed Hussain.
Mohit Ulva, Manal Chauhan Lead India’s Comeback
With India needing a major recovery, Manal and Mohit added 57 runs for the ninth wicket, shifting the momentum of the final.
Manal scored 47 off 32 balls, while Mohit remained unbeaten on 49 from just 26 deliveries. Manal was dismissed when India’s total reached 302, leaving the team needing another 36 runs with one wicket in hand.
Mohit then found support from No. 11 batter C Venkata, who scored an unbeaten 11 off eight balls. The pair took India closer to the target, with eight runs required in the final over.
The equation came down to three runs from the last delivery. Mohit struck Ahmed Hussain towards long-off for a boundary, completing India’s dramatic chase and securing the trophy.
Lakshya Raichandani, Aaryavir Sehwag Give India Strong Start
Earlier, captain Lakshya Raichandani and opener Aaryavir Sehwag laid the foundation for India’s chase with a 95-run opening partnership.
Lakshya scored 80, while Sehwag contributed 58. However, Sehwag’s dismissal, followed by the wickets of Lakshya and Anvay Dravid, put India under pressure.
India lost wickets at regular intervals before Mohit and Manal turned the contest around with their late-order partnership.
Usman Khan’s Century Powers Pakistan To 337
Earlier in the match, Pakistan posted 337 for nine after opener Usman Khan scored a century.
Usman made 107 off 106 balls, building an important 62-run opening stand with Hayam Khan. He then combined with Abdul Qadir, who scored a brisk 80 off 54 deliveries, for a 135-run partnership.
Qadir brought up his maiden Youth ODI half-century in 39 balls and struck two consecutive sixes against Indian spinners Manal Chauhan and Yashbardhdan Chauhan before falling to Arjun Rajput.
Usman was also dismissed by Rajput off Kavya Patel’s bowling. Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf added 60 off 63 balls to help his side cross the 300-run mark.
Kavya Patel was India’s leading wicket-taker with four wickets for 68 runs, while C Venkata claimed three for 40.
India vs Pakistan U-19 Asia Cup Final: Scorecard
- Pakistan U-19: 337/9
- Usman Khan: 107
- Abdul Qadir: 80
- Farhan Yousaf: 60
- Kavya Patel: 4/68
- C Venkata: 3/40
- India U-19: 339/9 in 50 overs
- Lakshya Raichandani: 80
- Aaryavir Sehwag: 58
- Manal Chauhan: 47
- Mohit Ulva: 49 not out
- Rizwanullah: 3/53
India won by one wicket.
