Pakistan secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over India in their Group A encounter at the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2026 on Sunday. Defending a target of 209 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman, India were unable to contain a match-winning partnership from the Pakistan middle order.
Pakistan reached the target of 209 with 11 balls to spare, finishing on 209-7 in 48.1 overs. Hamza Zahoor anchored the chase with an unbeaten 100 off 108 deliveries, while Arjun Rajput’s fighting 107 for India ultimately proved insufficient.
India, having won the toss and elected to bat, faced a disciplined Pakistan bowling attack early on. The team was reduced to 42-4 before Rajput launched a counter-attack, striking 11 fours and five sixes in his 85-ball innings to help post 208.
Pakistan's bowlers shared the workload effectively, with Ali Raza, Rizwanullah, and Niqab Shafiq claiming three wickets each to restrict the Indian lineup. The Indian bowlers initially responded well, reducing Pakistan to 61-5 in the early stages of the chase.
Zahoor then combined with Hasnain Abbas Dar to stabilize the innings, putting together a vital 107-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Dar contributed 38 runs off 67 balls, providing the necessary support for Zahoor to guide his side to victory.
Manal Chauhan was the standout performer for India with the ball, finishing with figures of 3-32. Despite his efforts and the early breakthroughs, Pakistan’s composure in the final overs ensured they maintained their unbeaten start to the tournament.
With this result, Pakistan moved to four points from two matches, sitting at the top of Group A. The win provides significant momentum for the defending champions as they prepare for their upcoming fixture against Nepal.
Brief scores: India 208 all out (46.3 overs; Arjun Rajput 107, Ali Raza 3-37) lost to Pakistan 209-7 (48.1 overs; Hamza Zahoor 100*, Manal Chauhan 3-32) by three wickets.
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