Agencies | Muscat:
India clinched the 2026 Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup title after defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by one wicket in a thrilling last-ball finish at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman.
Chasing a daunting target of 338, India secured victory when Mohit Ulva struck a boundary off the final delivery, with three runs required. The dramatic finish capped a remarkable recovery after India had appeared to be heading towards defeat during the middle overs.
Openers Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani and Aaryavir Sehwag provided a strong start to the chase, but it was lower-order contributions from Manal Chauhan and Ulva that ultimately turned the match in India’s favour.
Earlier, Pakistan posted an imposing 337 for nine after opting to bat, with opener Usman Khan leading the charge with 107 runs and Abdul Qadir contributing 80. Usman reached his century off 106 balls after sharing a 62-run opening partnership with Hayam Khan. He then added 135 runs with Qadir, who brought up his maiden Youth ODI half-century in just 39 deliveries.
Qadir’s aggressive innings ended when he was caught at covers off Arjun Rajput, while Usman departed soon afterwards. Pakistan were 240 for three after 36 overs before captain Farhan Yousaf scored 60 off 63 balls to take the defending champions beyond the 300-run mark. India’s Kavya Patel claimed four wickets.
In reply, India began cautiously, with Raichandani anchoring the innings through a 101-ball 80, while Sehwag gradually accelerated, scoring 58 off 61 deliveries, including nine boundaries. Sehwag continued batting despite sustaining an arm injury during his innings.
However, his dismissal triggered a collapse as India slipped from 95 for one to 217 for six. Raichandani’s wicket was followed by the run-out of Anvay Dravid, who scored 19 off 12 balls, leaving India under mounting pressure.
Pakistan’s fast bowlers made effective use of short-pitched deliveries, while sharp fielding further tightened their grip on the contest.
With wickets continuing to fall, Chauhan kept India’s hopes alive through a crucial 47 off 32 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes. His dismissal at 309 for nine, with 2.4 overs remaining, left India needing another strong effort from the tail.
Ulva rose to the occasion, keeping his composure and finding the boundaries at crucial moments. Pakistan’s slow over-rate meant they had to keep an additional fielder inside the 30-yard circle, a restriction India capitalised on in the closing stages.
With three runs required from the final ball, Ulva struck a boundary to complete the chase and hand India a memorable one-wicket victory.
The triumph also means India have won both the men’s and women’s Under-19 Asia Cup titles, taking both trophies home.
