India’s Under-19 cricket team secured a dramatic title victory in the Asia Cup, overcoming Pakistan in a high-scoring final that was decided on the very last ball of the match. Chasing an imposing target of 338, the Indian side reached 339 for nine to clinch the trophy in a finish that saw the momentum shift multiple times throughout the day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes to the squad following their success. Taking to social media, he described the result as an outstanding day for Indian cricket and expressed his pride in the young players. He noted that the team’s performance throughout the tournament, and specifically their resilience in the final, would serve as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the country.
A Remarkable Chase and Late-Order Heroics
The final appeared to be slipping away from India when they were reduced to 252 for eight in the 42nd over. However, a pivotal 57-run partnership between Manal Chauhan and
Ulva, who finished unbeaten on 49 from just 26 deliveries, anchored the final stages of the innings alongside C Venkata, who remained 11 not out. With three runs required from the final ball, Ulva struck a boundary against leg-spinner Ahmed Hussain to seal the win. Earlier in the innings, captain Lakshya Raichandani had provided a solid foundation with 80, supported by Aaryavir Sehwag’s 58, as the pair put together a 95-run opening stand.
Pakistan's Strong Total and India's Bowling Effort
Pakistan had set a challenging total of 337 for nine after batting first. Their innings was anchored by Usman Khan, who scored 107, and supported by Abdul Qadir’s 80 and captain Farhan Yousaf’s 60. Despite the high scoring, India’s bowlers managed to keep the pressure on at key intervals, with Kavya Patel returning figures of four for 68 and Venkata taking three for 40.
The victory marks a significant achievement for the Indian side, who successfully chased down the target to regain the Under-19 Asia Cup title. The match concluded a tournament defined by high-intensity cricket, with the final result highlighting the depth and fighting spirit of the current Indian youth squad.
