Quick Facts
Introduction
Hamza Zahoor hit an unbeaten 100 as Pakistan U19 beat India by three wickets in Muscat after slipping to 61 for five. Full match report and semi-final picture.
Pakistan were 61 for five, chasing 209, with India's bowlers in complete control. Then Hamza Zahoor decided the night was not over. The wicketkeeper-batter's unbeaten century turned Pakistan U19 vs India into one of the most satisfying wins of the ACC Men's Under-19 Asia Cup so far, and the kind of innings that gets a young player noticed.
For related updates, explore Jobs, Scholarships, Government Schemes and Admissions for more information.
The defending champions needed composure in a pressure game, and they got it from an unlikely position.
India's Innings: Rajput Fights Almost Alone
India chose to bat, and it went wrong almost immediately. Captain and opener Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani fell for a duck on the second ball, and soon India were 22 for three. Arjun Rajput then played a superb counter-attacking innings of 107 from 85 balls, with 11 fours and five sixes.
He did not get enough help. Pakistan's bowlers kept taking wickets at the other end, and India were dismissed for 208 in 46.3 overs. Ali Raza, Rizwanullah and Niqab Shafiq took three wickets each, with Mohammad Sayyam claiming the other.
The Chase: From 61-5 to Victory
A target of 209 did not look huge, but Pakistan made it look enormous. India's bowlers struck early and reduced them to 61 for five. At that stage, most watchers would have backed India.
Hamza found a partner in Hasnain Abbas Dar, who made a patient 38 from 67 balls, and the pair rebuilt without panic. When wickets fell around him, Hamza mixed caution with well-timed attacking shots and took charge of the lower order. He finished unbeaten on 100 with 10 fours and three sixes, and Pakistan got home with 11 balls to spare.
| Team | Score | Overs | Top performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| India U19 | 208 all out | 46.3 | Arjun Rajput 107 (85) |
| Pakistan U19 | 211-7 | 48.1 | Hamza Zahoor 100* (108) |
Why Hamza Zahoor's Innings Stands Out
Centuries in a successful chase are valuable at any level, but this one came with the top order gone and a rival attack smelling a win. What made it impressive was the shot selection. He did not try to hit his way out of trouble, and he did not let the required rate get away from him either.
Pakistani fans may remember that India won their meeting at the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year by 58 runs. This match offered a satisfying answer, and Hamza's temperament is the biggest positive to come out of it.
Semi-Final Picture in Group A
The win lifts Pakistan to the top of Group A with four points from two matches, following their earlier victory over the UAE. India have two points from two games. The Express Tribune reports that Pakistan have secured their place in the semi-finals, with the top two teams going through, and both sides still have one group game to play.
Read our earlier coverage of Pakistan's U19 Asia Cup squad and fixtures and the opening match against the UAE. Also see the senior team's Sri Lanka Test series schedule.
FAQs
Who won Pakistan U19 vs India U19?
Pakistan won by three wickets with 11 balls remaining.
How many runs did Hamza Zahoor score?
He scored 100 not out from 108 balls, with 10 fours and three sixes.
Where was the match played?
It was played at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat, Oman.
Who was the top scorer for India?
Arjun Rajput scored 107 from 85 balls.
Sources: Dawn, The Express Tribune.
Conclusion
Review the official sources, dates and eligibility conditions mentioned in this article before taking action. For more related updates, explore the category links above.
Comments (0)
No Comments Found