Pakistan U19 secured a thrilling 3-wicket win over India U19 in the 8th match of Group A at the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2026, held at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat, Oman, on November 8, 2026.
The win marked Pakistan's second consecutive victory in the tournament, placing them at the top of Group A with 4 points from 2 matches. India U19, on the other hand, suffered a setback after failing to defend a competitive total of 208 runs.
Pakistan U19 defeated India U19 by 3 wickets in the 8th match of Group A at the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2026, held at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat, Oman, on November 8, 2026. The match saw Pakistan secure their second consecutive victory, claiming the top spot in Group A with 4 points from 2 matches. The result dented India's momentum after they failed to defend a competitive total, highlighting vulnerabilities in their bowling attack despite an early breakthrough that reduced Pakistan to 60 for 5.
Hamza Zahoor anchored the chase with an unbeaten 100 runs from 108 balls, hitting 11 boundaries and 2 sixes. His resilient knock steered Pakistan past the target of 209 in 48.1 overs, finishing on 211 for 7. Zahoor's partnership with Hasnain Dar was crucial in the match, as they added 61 runs together. Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf praised the middle-order composure, saying, "I am not surprised by Hamza's innings today. I know the ability of the guy."
Zahoor's Unbeaten Century
Hamza Zahoor's unbeaten century was the highlight of the match. "Since I had to go all the way, my mindset was that I would stay till the end and win it," Zahoor said after earning the Player of the Match award. Zahoor's knock included 11 fours and 2 sixes, as he scored at a strike rate of 92.59. His partnership with Hasnain Dar was instrumental in Pakistan's win, as they added 61 runs together in 85 balls.
Earlier, India elected to bat and posted 208 before being bowled out in 46.3 overs. Arjun Rathod led the Indian batting lineup, scoring 38 runs from 46 balls, while Kavya Patel contributed 20 runs from 22 balls. Lakshya Raichandani admitted the team fell short of a par score, saying, "We were 20-30 runs short, but overall there were some good innings." India's total was not enough, as Pakistan's batsmen chased it down with ease.
Bowling Attack Shines
Pakistan's pace attack dismantled the Indian top order, with Ali Raza, Rizwanullah, and Niqab Shafiq claiming 3 wickets each, while Mohammad Sayyam bagged 1 wicket. The Indian batsmen struggled to cope with the pace and accuracy of the Pakistani bowlers, as they lost 5 wickets for just 60 runs. However, the middle order showed some resistance, with Arjun Rathod and Kavya Patel adding 38 runs together.
Pakistan aims to maintain its winning momentum in the next fixture, while the Indian squad focuses on tactical adjustments to rectify fielding and bowling lapses before the final group fixtures determine the semi-final lineup. With 4 points from 2 matches, Pakistan is well-placed to qualify for the semi-finals, while India needs to win its remaining matches to stay in contention.
The win was a significant boost for Pakistan U19, as they look to make a strong impression in the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2026. With their bowling attack and batting lineup clicking, Pakistan is a team to watch out for in the tournament.