Manal Chauhan: India U19 all-rounder who helped clinch Asia Cup final

India's Under-19 side defeated Pakistan by one wicket to win the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat on November 14. The match finished when India chased a target of 338, sealing victory on the final delivery.

Pakistan posted 337/9 in their 50 overs, leaving India with a challenging chase. Several Indian batters, including captain Lakshya Raichandani and opener Aaryavir Sehwag, made important contributions before India slid to 252/8 in the 42nd over. At that point the visitors still required 86 runs, placing the burden on the lower order and prompting a pivotal response from Manal Chauhan and Mohit Ulva.

Manal Chauhan is an Indian Under-19 all-rounder from Morena, Madhya Pradesh, born on March 14, 2008. He bats left-handed and bowls slow left-arm orthodox, and has represented India at the youth level as well as playing age-group cricket for Madhya Pradesh.

Chauhan arrived at the crease at No. 8 when India were 252/8 in the 42nd over and attacked the bowling, scoring 47 runs off 32 balls. He combined with Mohit Ulva to put on a 57-run partnership for the ninth wicket that brought India back into contention before Chauhan was dismissed with the score at 302/9.

Mohit Ulva carried the chase after Chauhan's departure, remaining unbeaten on 49 off 26 balls, with C Venkata unbeaten on 11 as India completed the target on the final delivery. That finish turned a tense late collapse into a one-wicket triumph.

With the ball, Chauhan provides India a slow left-arm spinning option in the middle overs and earlier in the tournament he picked up three wickets against Pakistan in an earlier match of the competition. Those bowling returns, combined with his late-innings hitting in the final, contributed to his all-round profile.

His all-round performances during the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 have made him one of the players to watch in India’s youth cricket setup. For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.