Al Amerat, November 8,2026: Pakistan defeated arch-rivals India by three wickets in the U-19 Asia Cup after a magnificent century by Hamza Zahoor guided the Green Shirts to a memorable victory in a tense run chase.
Chasing a target of 209 runs, Pakistan reached 212-7 in 48.1 overs, recovering from a precarious position of 65-5 to seal the three-wicket victory.
Zahoor led the recovery with an unbeaten 100 off 108 deliveries, smashing 10 fours and three sixes. He was well supported by Hasnain Abbas Dar as the pair stitched together a crucial 107-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Pakistan suffered an early setback when Jahangir Bilal departed for five in the third over against Ishan Sood. Usman Khan, who had scored a century against the UAE in Pakistan’s previous match, managed just 16 off 23 deliveries before being dismissed by Mohit Ulva.
Manal Chauhan removed Abdul Qadir for 20, while Kavya Paresh Patel dismissed captain Farhan Yousaf for two. Chauhan struck again to send Ahmed Hussain back for eight, leaving Pakistan struggling at 65-5.
However, Zahoor and Abbas Dar displayed remarkable composure under pressure, rebuilding the innings and taking Pakistan beyond the 150-run mark.
Zahoor brought up his half-century in Youth ODIs during the partnership, while Abbas Dar contributed a valuable 38 off 67 balls, including two boundaries.
Their resistance ended when Chauhan dismissed Abbas Dar in the 38th over with Pakistan at 168-6. Mohit Ulva then removed Mohammad Sayyam for four, but Zahoor remained firm at the crease and guided Pakistan to victory.
India bowled out for 208
Earlier, India were bowled out for 208 after Pakistan’s bowlers produced an impressive performance following their decision to field first.
Ali Raza provided an early breakthrough by dismissing Indian captain Lakshya Raichandani for a duck on the second delivery. He later removed VK Vineeth for eight, while Rizwanullah dismissed Yashbardhan Chauhan for one, reducing India to 22-3.
Niqab Shafiq further strengthened Pakistan’s position by removing Aaryavir Sehwag, who scored 22, and Anvay Dravid, who managed 10, leaving India struggling at 70-4.
Arjun Rajput and Manal Chauhan then revived the Indian innings through a 64-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Rajput went on to score his maiden Youth ODI century, making an impressive 107 off 85 deliveries, including 11 fours and five sixes.
Rizwanullah broke the partnership by dismissing Chauhan for 11 before removing the well-set Rajput, leaving India at 170-7 in 35.2 overs.
Ali Raza and Niqab Shafiq completed three-wicket hauls by dismissing Yashveer Goud (4) and Mohit Ulva (7), respectively.
Mohammad Sayyam wrapped up India’s innings by dismissing Kavya Paresh Patel, who scored 23 off 45 deliveries, as India were bowled out for 208.
Zahoor’s unbeaten century and Pakistan’s spirited recovery made the victory a memorable moment in the tournament.
