MUSCAT (Kashmir English): Pakistan U-19 defeated India by three wickets in a thrilling group-stage match of the ACC U-19 Asia Cup, successfully chasing a target of 209 runs with 11 balls to spare.
Hamza Zahoor was the standout performer for Pakistan, scoring an unbeaten, match-defining century of 100 runs from 108 deliveries. His innings laid the foundation for Pakistan’s successful chase.
India’s bowlers also put up a fight during the chase. Manal Chauhan took three wickets for 32 runs in 10 overs, while Mohit Ulva claimed two for 45. Ishan Dheeraj Sood picked up one wicket for 36 runs in nine overs.
Batting first, India were bowled out for 208 in 46.3 overs. Arjun Rajput top-scored with 107 off 85 balls, while Kavya Paresh Patel contributed 23 and Aryavir Sehwaq added 22.
Pakistan’s bowlers shared the workload, with Ali Raza taking three wickets for 37 runs, Rizwanullah claiming three for 24, and Niqab Shafiq picking up three for 42.
In reply, Pakistan reached 209 for seven in 48.1 overs. Alongside Hamza’s century, Hashim Dar scored 38 off 67 balls, while Abdul Qadir contributed 20 from 27 deliveries.
However, Hamza’s century proved decisive as Pakistan reached 209 for seven in 48.1 overs to seal the win in the eighth group-stage match of the tournament.
