AL AMERAT (OMAN): India Under-19 defeated defending champions Pakistan by one wicket off the final delivery on Saturday to clinch a record-extending ninth U19 Asia Cup title at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman.
Chasing a steep target of 338, India reached 339 for 9 in 50 overs to secure their first continental crown since 2021. Lower-order batter Mohit Ulva struck a boundary off the last ball from Ahmed Hussain to seal the victory, finishing unbeaten on 49 off 26 deliveries with five fours and three sixes.
Earlier, Pakistan posted 337 for 9 after batting first. Usman Khan anchored the innings with 107 runs, while Abdul Qadir scored 80 and captain Farhan Yousaf added 63. For India, Kavya Patel claimed four wickets for 68 runs, and Chigurupati Venkata picked up three for 40.
India’s reply began strongly with a half-century from opener Aaryavir Sehwag, who scored 58 off 61 balls, alongside a composed 80 from captain Lakshya Raichandani. However, regular wickets in the middle overs—including the run-out of Anvay Dravid—left India struggling at 251 for 7.
Manal Chauhan led the recovery with a brisk 47 off 31 balls, sharing a crucial stand with Ulva to bring India back into contention. Even after Chauhan fell to Niqab Shafiq in the 48th over with the score at 309 for 9, Ulva and Venkata (11 not out off 8 balls) held firm under pressure to add an unbroken 30-run partnership for the final wicket. For Pakistan, Rizwanullah took three wickets and Niqab Shafiq claimed two.
The victory avenged India’s group-stage defeat to Pakistan earlier in the tournament as well as their loss to the same opponents in the 2025 final.
Aaryavir Sehwag earned the Player of the Tournament award after finishing as the competition's leading run-scorer with 361 runs across five matches.
(With inpurts from media reports)