Hamza Zahoor's unbeaten 100 seals Pakistan's three-wicket U19 Asia Cup win over India
Hamza Zahoor's unbeaten 100 guided Pakistan to a three-wicket victory over India at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 2) in Al Amerat on November 8, 2026, in the Under-19 Asia Cup. Arjun Rajput's 107 off 85 for India proved insufficient as Pakistan chased the target with 12 balls to spare.
India's innings began poorly against disciplined bowling, reduced to 22/3 after early strikes; Ali Raza removed captain Lakshya Raichandani for a duck in the opening over and later dismissed VK Vineeth for eight, while Rizwanullah bowled Yashbardhan Chauhan for one. Aaryavir Sehwag made 22 off 40 before falling in the 17th over, and Anvay Dravid added 10. Arjun Rajput rebuilt the innings, reaching his century in 80 balls and finishing 107 off 85 with 11 fours and five sixes as India recovered to 208 in 46.3 overs; Rajput's dismissal at 169/6 in the 36th over preceded a collapse in which India lost their last five wickets for 39 runs.
Pakistan's bowlers kept tight lines and denied easy boundaries through India's middle overs. Rizwanullah ended with figures of 3/24 from seven overs but was forced off the field in the 42nd over after suffering cramps while fielding at deep mid-wicket. Ali Raza and Niqab Shafiq each claimed three wickets, finishing with 3/37 and 3/42 respectively; the three bowlers shared nine wickets between them.
Rajput found a partner in Manal Chauhan during the recovery phase; Manal contributed 11 in a stand that provided vital stability before Rizwanullah broke the partnership. Rajput combined composure and attacking intent, using the sweep against spin and punishing short or overpitched deliveries to keep India competitive after the early collapse.
India's bowlers struck early in Pakistan's chase, with Mohit Ulva and Ishan Sood taking early wickets. Manal Chauhan removed Abdul Qadir and then Ahmed Hussain for eight, and Kavya Patel sent back Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf for two, leaving Pakistan 61/5 and handing India control of the contest.
Hamza Zahoor and Hasnain Abbas Dar then put together a match-defining 107-run partnership for the sixth wicket; Zahoor reached his half-century in 55 balls while Dar played a patient supporting role. Dar was eventually caught by Arjun Rajput off Manal Chauhan for 38, and Mohammad Sayyam fell to Mohit Ulva, but Zahoor managed the strike, found crucial boundaries and completed an unbeaten 100 to take Pakistan home with 12 balls to spare. Manal finished with 3/32 from his 10 overs and Mohit claimed 2/45.
The win extended Pakistan's winning run against India in the Under-19 Asia Cup to two consecutive editions after their victory in Dubai last year powered by Sameer Minhas's 171, and it moved Pakistan back to the top of Group A while India dropped to second place. Pakistan walked away with the bragging rights once again, leaving India to regroup ahead of their next match.
India will now look to bounce back when they face the UAE on November 10.