Pakistan Beat India by 3 Wickets in U19 Asia Cup 2026

Pakistan U19 beat India by three wickets in the 2026 Asia Cup as Hamza Zahoor scored an unbeaten 100 after Arjun Rajput's century.

By News National Editorial Team

Pakistan Under-19 secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over India Under-19 in the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2026 after captain Hamza Zahoor scored an unbeaten century to guide his team to a successful chase at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on November 8.

In a closely contested Group A encounter, Pakistan chased down India's target of 209 runs, finishing at 209/7 in 48.1 overs. Hamza Zahoor remained unbeaten on 100 off 108 deliveries, helping Pakistan overcome a difficult position and secure an important victory against their arch-rivals.

India, meanwhile, suffered disappointment despite an outstanding batting performance from Arjun Rajput, who scored 107 runs off 85 balls.

Arjun Rajput's Century Rescues India

After winning the toss, India elected to bat first. However, the decision did not immediately translate into a strong start as Pakistan's bowlers put pressure on the Indian batting lineup.

India lost four wickets for just 42 runs, leaving the team in a difficult position during the opening stages of the innings.

Arjun Rajput then produced an impressive counter-attacking performance, rebuilding India's innings and keeping the team competitive.

The right-handed batter scored 107 runs from 85 deliveries, hitting 11 boundaries and five sixes. His innings provided India with much-needed stability and attacking momentum.

Kavya Paresh Patel contributed 23 runs, while Aaryavir Sehwag added 22. However, India could not build enough partnerships to reach a more commanding total.

India were eventually bowled out for 208 in 46.3 overs.

Pakistan's bowling attack shared the responsibility effectively. Rizwanullah claimed three wickets for 24 runs, Ali Raza took three for 37, and Niqab Shafiq finished with three for 42.

Pakistan Struggle During the Run Chase

Chasing 209 for victory, Pakistan initially struggled against India's bowling attack.

The Indian bowlers made important breakthroughs, reducing Pakistan to 61/5 and putting the team under considerable pressure.

With several important wickets falling, India appeared to have an opportunity to take control of the match.

However, Hamza Zahoor remained composed and continued building his innings despite the difficult situation.

Hamza Zahoor and Hasnain Abbas Dar Turn the Match Around

The turning point came through a crucial sixth-wicket partnership between Hamza Zahoor and Hasnain Abbas Dar.

The pair added 107 runs, rebuilding Pakistan's innings and shifting the momentum towards the chasing side.

Hasnain Abbas Dar contributed 38 runs from 67 deliveries before being dismissed.

Hamza Zahoor continued his determined batting performance, finding boundaries and rotating the strike to keep Pakistan's chase on track.

He eventually completed his century, scoring an unbeaten 100 from 108 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes.

With support from Niqab Shafiq, who remained unbeaten on two runs, Pakistan reached 209/7 in 48.1 overs.

Pakistan secured victory by three wickets with 11 balls remaining.

Manal Chauhan Leads India's Bowling Effort

India's Manal Chauhan delivered an important bowling performance, claiming three wickets for 32 runs in his 10 overs.

Mohit Ulva also contributed two wickets for 45 runs.

Despite their efforts, India's bowlers could not prevent the partnership between Hamza Zahoor and Hasnain Abbas Dar from taking Pakistan towards victory.

India Captain Admits Team Fell Short

Following the defeat, India Under-19 captain Lakshya Raichandani acknowledged that his team had fallen short with the bat.

He indicated that India were approximately 20–30 runs short of a competitive total and also recognised that the team could have bowled better during Pakistan's chase.

His assessment highlighted the importance of building a stronger first-innings total in closely contested matches.

India vs Pakistan U19 Asia Cup 2026: Full Score

India Under-19: 208 all out (46.3 overs)

• Arjun Rajput – 107 (85 balls)

• Kavya Paresh Patel – 23

• Aaryavir Sehwag – 22

• Rizwanullah – 3/24

• Ali Raza – 3/37

• Niqab Shafiq – 3/42

Pakistan Under-19: 209/7 (48.1 overs)

• Hamza Zahoor – 100 not out (108 balls)

• Hasnain Abbas Dar – 38 (67 balls)

• Abdul Qadir – 20

• Manal Chauhan – 3/32

• Mohit Ulva – 2/45

Match Result: Pakistan Under-19 won by three wickets.

Player of the Match: Hamza Zahoor (Pakistan).

What This Result Means for India

The result provides Pakistan with an important victory in the Group A stage of the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2026.

For India, Arjun Rajput's century remains a major positive from an otherwise disappointing match. However, the team's inability to convert a difficult batting situation into a bigger total will be an important area for improvement.

Pakistan's successful recovery also demonstrated the importance of partnerships, composure and decision-making under pressure.

With more matches remaining in the tournament, both teams will be looking to strengthen their performances as they pursue the U19 Asia Cup title.

News National Editorial Team

Source transparency: Match statistics and result are based on the Pakistan Cricket Board's official scorecard and match report. India's captain's post-match comments are based on reporting by The Times of India.