Pakistan U-19 Stun India in Asia Cup Thriller as Hamza Zahoor’s Century Seals Three Wicket Win

AL AMERAT, Nov 8: Pakistan registered a memorable three wicket victory over India in the Under 19 Asia Cup 2026 after Hamza Zahoor produced a magnificent unbeaten century to guide his side through a challenging chase at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Sunday.

Zahoor scored 100 not out off 108 deliveries as Pakistan successfully chased India’s total of 208, reaching 209 for seven in 48.1 overs. His composed innings overshadowed an outstanding century from India’s Arjun Rajput, who had earlier given his team a competitive total despite a difficult start.

The high-profile Group A encounter witnessed a remarkable contest between the two neighbouring countries, with India initially recovering from a batting collapse before Pakistan demonstrated considerable determination during their reply.

Rajput’s 107 off 85 deliveries included 11 boundaries and five sixes. His aggressive approach helped India recover from early setbacks and gave the bowlers an opportunity to defend a total that appeared competitive on a challenging surface.

However, Zahoor’s patience and ability to build partnerships proved decisive. Pakistan lost five wickets for just 61 runs during the chase but recovered through a crucial partnership between Zahoor and Hasnain Abbas Dar.

Dar contributed 38 runs, while Zahoor remained at the crease until the winning runs were scored, earning the Player of the Match award.

The victory provided Pakistan with an important result in the tournament and left India needing to regroup ahead of their remaining group-stage fixtures.

India Struggle After Losing Early Wickets
After winning the toss, India elected to bat first, hoping to establish a strong foundation and put Pakistan under pressure.

However, the opening phase did not go according to plan as Pakistan’s bowlers maintained disciplined lines and lengths.

Ali Raza delivered an early breakthrough by dismissing captain Lakshya Raichandani for a duck. The early wicket provided Pakistan with momentum and forced the Indian batting line-up to rebuild.

Aaryavir Sehwag attempted to stabilise the innings, scoring 22 runs from 40 deliveries. However, the Indian batters struggled to maintain a consistent scoring rate against Pakistan’s bowling attack.

VK Vineeth managed eight runs before becoming another victim of the disciplined bowling, while Yashbardhan Chauhan departed after scoring just one.

India’s position became increasingly difficult as wickets continued to fall, leaving the middle order with considerable responsibility.

At that stage, Rajput emerged as the key figure for the Indian side.

He approached the situation positively, combining controlled aggression with intelligent shot selection. Rather than allowing the early setbacks to dictate his approach, he began rebuilding the innings while finding opportunities to attack loose deliveries.

His innings eventually became the foundation of India’s total.
Rajput Produces Outstanding Century
Rajput demonstrated excellent composure under pressure, building an innings that kept India competitive despite losing wickets regularly.

The right-handed batter rotated the strike effectively and punished deliveries that allowed him to play attacking strokes.

His century came from 85 balls and included an impressive collection of boundaries and sixes.

He particularly impressed with his ability to accelerate after settling at the crease. His five sixes provided India with important momentum, while 11 fours helped maintain the scoring rate.

Rajput’s contribution was especially valuable because none of the other Indian batters managed to produce a similarly substantial innings.

Kavya Patel supported him with 23 runs, while Sehwag’s 22 provided a brief contribution towards the beginning of the innings.

Rajput eventually departed after scoring 107, leaving India hoping that the lower order could add valuable runs.

Pakistan’s bowling attack continued applying pressure during the closing overs.

Rizwanullah was among the most effective bowlers, finishing with three wickets for 24 runs. Ali Raza also claimed three wickets, while Niqab Shafiq picked up three scalps to restrict India’s scoring opportunities.

India were eventually dismissed for 208 in 46.3 overs, leaving Pakistan with a target of 209.

Although the total was not particularly imposing, Rajput’s century had given India something to defend.
Pakistan Suffer Early Collapse
Pakistan’s chase began with considerable pressure as India’s bowlers made effective use of the conditions.

The opening wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing the visitors from establishing the kind of partnership required for a comfortable chase.

Jahangir Bilal departed early, followed by Usman Khan, leaving Pakistan struggling to maintain momentum.

The situation became more difficult when Abdul Qadir and Ahmed Hussain also returned to the pavilion.

India’s bowlers appeared to have gained control of the match as Pakistan slipped to 61 for five.

The pressure was particularly significant because the required scoring rate continued increasing while the available batting resources were gradually reduced.

India’s players sensed an opportunity to secure an important victory, with their bowling attack maintaining discipline and searching for additional breakthroughs.

However, Pakistan still had Zahoor at the crease.

The wicketkeeper-batter displayed remarkable patience, refusing to surrender his position despite the difficult circumstances.

Rather than attempting unnecessary attacking shots, he concentrated on building partnerships and keeping the required rate within reach.

His approach gradually changed the direction of the contest.
Zahoor and Dar Rescue Pakistan
The turning point came through a substantial partnership between Zahoor and Hasnain Abbas Dar.

With Pakistan facing the possibility of defeat, the two batters concentrated on rebuilding the innings and reducing the pressure.

Dar played an important supporting role, scoring 38 runs from 67 deliveries.

His contribution allowed Zahoor to settle into his innings and gradually increase the scoring rate.

The partnership was particularly valuable because India had already dismissed five Pakistani batters and appeared close to completing the job.

Zahoor, meanwhile, continued displaying excellent concentration.

He used his feet effectively, rotated the strike and punished deliveries that offered opportunities for boundaries.

The pair added 107 runs for the sixth wicket, transforming a difficult situation into a realistic opportunity for victory.

Dar eventually departed, but the damage to India’s position had already been done.

Zahoor continued batting with confidence, ensuring that Pakistan did not lose control of the chase during the final stages.

His century was a significant achievement in such a high-pressure encounter, particularly against a strong Indian bowling unit.

Pakistan eventually reached the target in 48.1 overs, finishing at 209 for seven.
Indian Bowlers Miss Opportunity
India’s bowling department had several promising moments but could not maintain the pressure throughout the innings.

Manal Chauhan emerged as the leading wicket-taker for India, claiming three wickets for 32 runs.

Mohit Ulva also contributed with two wickets, but the remaining bowlers struggled to break the crucial partnership between Zahoor and Dar.

The inability to dismiss Zahoor proved particularly costly.

India had created an excellent opportunity after reducing Pakistan to 61 for five. However, the middle-order recovery changed the balance of the contest.

The Indian bowlers attempted different approaches, but Zahoor remained focused on preserving his wicket and finding scoring opportunities.

The partnership also demonstrated the importance of communication and patience during difficult run chases.

Pakistan avoided unnecessary risks while ensuring that the scoreboard continued moving.

Once the required target came within reach, Zahoor took greater responsibility and guided the lower order towards the finish.

His unbeaten hundred eventually became the defining contribution of the match.
Important Result in the Group A Campaign
The result represents an important moment in the Under-19 Asia Cup, a tournament that provides emerging cricketers with an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at the international level.

India and Pakistan traditionally share a competitive rivalry across age-group cricket, making their encounters closely followed by supporters.

Sunday’s contest once again demonstrated the intensity associated with these matches.

India had the advantage after Rajput’s century, but Pakistan responded with a determined batting performance.

The contrasting centuries from Rajput and Zahoor highlighted the different challenges faced by the two teams.

Rajput was required to rescue India after an early batting collapse, while Zahoor had to rebuild Pakistan’s innings after five wickets had fallen.

Both players demonstrated considerable maturity, although Zahoor’s contribution ultimately proved more valuable in determining the outcome.

The match also offered useful lessons for India’s young squad, particularly regarding the importance of maintaining pressure after securing early breakthroughs.
India Face Pressure to Recover
India will now need to concentrate on their remaining group-stage matches and address the shortcomings exposed during the encounter.

The batting department will be encouraged by Rajput’s performance, but the lack of substantial contributions from the other players remains an area requiring attention.

The team management will also examine the middle-order approach and the ability of the lower order to contribute additional runs.

On the bowling front, India’s players will need to develop better strategies for breaking partnerships once opposition batters become established.

The collapse of Pakistan’s top order had placed India in a strong position, but the team could not convert that advantage into victory.

For Pakistan, Zahoor’s performance will provide considerable confidence ahead of their remaining fixtures.

His ability to remain unbeaten under pressure demonstrated the importance of composure and responsible batting in youth international cricket.

The victory also highlighted Pakistan’s depth, with Dar providing valuable support when the team needed a partnership most.

Ultimately, the encounter belonged to Zahoor, whose unbeaten century transformed a seemingly difficult chase into a memorable victory.

Rajput’s outstanding innings ensured that India remained competitive, but Pakistan’s determination and stronger finish allowed them to claim a three-wicket win in one of the tournament’s most closely contested matches.