India Beat Pakistan by One Wicket to Win Under-19 Asia Cup 2026 Title in Thrilling Final
SRINAGAR: India Under-19 cricket team clinched the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2026 title after defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by one wicket in a thrilling final at Al Amerat, Oman, on Saturday.
Chasing a challenging target of 338 runs, India successfully reached 339 for nine in 50 overs, securing a dramatic victory with just one ball remaining in the match.
Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted an impressive total of 337 for nine in their allotted 50 overs. Usman Khan was the leading scorer with a brilliant 107 off 111 deliveries, while Abdul Qadir smashed 80 runs off just 54 balls. Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf also made a valuable contribution of 63 runs.
In reply, India got off to a competitive start, with captain Lakshya Raichandani leading the batting effort with 80 runs off 101 balls. Opener Aaryavir Sehwag contributed 58 off 61 deliveries, while Manal Chauhan added an important 47 runs to keep India’s chase on track.
However, a middle-order collapse brought Pakistan back into the contest, leaving India under considerable pressure during the closing stages.
The lower order then produced a remarkable fightback to turn the match around. Mohit Ulva played a match-defining unbeaten innings of 49 runs from just 26 balls, while Chigurupati Venkata remained not out on 11 off eight deliveries to guide India to a memorable one-wicket victory.
For Pakistan, Rizwanullah picked up three wickets, while Niqab Shafiq claimed two wickets but could not prevent India’s victory.
Earlier, India’s bowling attack had been led by Kavya Paresh Patel, who claimed four wickets for 68 runs. Chigurupati Venkata also made an important contribution with the ball, taking three wickets to restrict Pakistan to 337.
The victory was particularly special for India as it came against Pakistan following their earlier defeat in the group stage of the tournament.
With this dramatic triumph, India secured the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2026 trophy, ending the tournament on a high note in one of the most exciting finals of the competition.