Aaryavir Sehwag scores a fluent half-century in Men's U19 Asia Cup 2026 final vs Pakistan

Aaryavir Sehwag struck a fluent half-century for India against Pakistan in the final of the Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026, carrying the form that had made him the tournament's leading run-scorer into the title match. He produced the notable opening contribution as India chased Pakistan's total in the final.

Sehwag finished the competition as the leading run-scorer. He amassed 361 runs in five innings at an average of 90.25. Across the tournament he recorded one century and three half-centuries.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first in the final, starting with a 62-run opening stand between Usman Khan and Hayam Khan, the latter making 21. Usman Khan struck 107 off 111 balls, including 11 fours and three sixes, and Abdul Qadir produced a 54-ball 80 with three fours and eight sixes. Captain Farhan Yousuf also reached a half-century, scoring 63 off 60, and Pakistan were 240/2 at one stage before finishing at 337/9.

India relied on two specialist bowlers and saw Kavya Patel take 4/68 while Chigurupati Venkata claimed 3/40; both spells were described as expensive. The limited use of specialist bowling was noted as giving Pakistan an opportunity which they exploited through big-hitting in the middle order.

Chasing 338, India sought a strong start and Sehwag provided it with a 95-run opening partnership alongside captain Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani. During that stand Sehwag completed his third half-century of the tournament. He was dismissed for 58 off 61 balls, having struck nine boundaries in the innings.

With his contribution in the final, Sehwag ended the Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 as the tournament's top run-scorer, finishing on 361 runs from five innings at an average of 90.25 with one century and three half-centuries.