Defending champions Pakistan put up a commanding batting display in the Under-19 Asia Cup final, posting a formidable 337/9 in their 50 overs against arch-rivals India after opting to bat first.
Pakistan’s innings was anchored by a magnificent century from opener Usman Khan, who played a composed and fluent knock of 107 off 111 deliveries. He found an aggressive partner in Abdul Qadir, whose blistering 80-run onslaught kept the scoreboard racing in the middle overs. Captain Farhan Yousaf then provided a crucial late-order impetus with a well-crafted 63 off 60 balls, featuring timely boundaries and massive sixes that pushed Pakistan past the 300-run mark.
India, playing without their leading wicket-taker Ishan Sood due to a back niggle, faced a tough afternoon on the field. However, a spirited comeback in the closing stages helped rein in the scoring rate. Chigurupati Venkata led the charge with a stellar spell, picking up four crucial wickets, while Kavya Patel also claimed four scalps to puncture Pakistan’s lower order. Neat fielding and disciplined death-over bowling restricted Pakistan in the final overs, keeping the target just shy of 350.
With a target of 338 ahead, India’s star-studded batting lineup—featuring tournament standout Aaryavir Sehwag and captain Lakshya Raichandani—faces a monumental chase under the lights as they eye a record-extending ninth tournament title.
