Hamza Zahoor pulls out handwritten note after century seals Pakistan win over India in U19 Asia Cup
Hamza Zahoor scored an unbeaten century to guide Pakistan to a three-wicket victory over India in the Under-19 Asia Cup on Sunday, November 8, 2026, and celebrated by producing a handwritten note to camera after hitting the winning runs. He reached his hundred off 108 balls with the final shot of the chase.
India were held to 208 in their innings, despite contributions from Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid, with Arjun Rajput top-scoring for India with 107 to stabilise their total. Pakistan, by contrast, found themselves 61 for five in 15 overs before the chase shifted back in their favour.
Zahoor completed his hundred with an animated run to the boundary alongside teammates and then removed a paper from his pocket to display it to television cameras. "Tomorrrow match, 50 inshallah. Hamza Zahoor. I am the best," read the note.
After arriving at the crease in a precarious position, Zahoor combined with Hasnain Abbas Dar for a 107-run partnership that rebuilt Pakistan's innings. He picked boundaries at key moments and played occasional big shots, then shepherded the lower order to claim the win with three wickets in hand.
The Pakistan batter was seen telling cameras that he dedicated the innings to his brother. "Well, I got a message from the dugout that I had to bat till the end. So, it was in my mind that I will bat till the end and hopefully win the game for my team," said Hamza at the post-match presentation.
Captain Farhan Yousaf praised Zahoor's temperament and match awareness after the game. "I'm not surprised about Hamza. I know the ability of the guy. I am not surprised by Hamza's innings today. But I really appreciate the way he assessed the condition and played according to the situation," said Yousaf.
A social-media post captured the note and reaction: "Hamza Zahoor- is what the note reads. He's doubled that. Terrific hundred. #HamzaZahoor #PAKvsIND https://t.co/hMHzdHVE7Z— Nawaz. (@Rnawaz0) November 8, 2026"
The victory left Pakistan with two wins in the competition; they will face Nepal on November 10.
