India claimed their ninth Under-19 Asia Cup title in spectacular fashion, overcoming a daunting target to secure a one-wicket victory against Pakistan in the final. With three runs required from the final delivery of the match,
The victory appeared unlikely as India faltered during the middle stages of their pursuit of Pakistan’s 337-run total. Despite a solid foundation laid by captain Lakshya Raichandani, who contributed 80, and Aaryavir Sehwag, who added 58, a middle-order collapse left the side reeling at 252 for eight in the 42nd over. However, a resilient lower-order performance turned the tide of the contest.
A dramatic turnaround in the final overs
Ulva, who finished unbeaten on 49 from just 26 deliveries, proved to be the architect of the revival. He first combined with Manal Chauhan for a 57-run ninth-wicket partnership that kept India in contention. Even after Chauhan departed for 47, the target remained steep, with 36 runs still required and only one wicket in hand.
The final pair of Ulva and Chigurupati Venkata managed to navigate the pressure, scoring 17 runs in the 49th over to leave eight runs needed from the final six balls. After a tense final over that included a close stumping appeal, Ulva struck the decisive blow off Ahmed Hussain to clinch the trophy. Venkata remained not out on 11 from eight balls.
Pakistan's strong start and India's bowling effort
Earlier in the day, Pakistan had set a formidable pace, posting 337 for nine. Usman Khan led the charge with a century, scoring 107, while Abdul Qadir and captain Farhan Yousaf provided significant support with scores of 80 and 63, respectively. For India, Kavya Patel was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets, while Venkata supported the effort with three scalps.
The opening partnership of 95 between Raichandani and Sehwag had initially put India in a strong position, but the subsequent collapse forced the lower order to produce a historic finish to secure the title.
