India’s Under-19 team produced one of the most dramatic finishes in recent cricket history to lift the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by a solitary wicket in the final at Al Amerat, Oman.
Chasing a formidable 338, India looked down and out at 309 for 9 in the 48th over. Number 11 batter Chigurupati Venkata joined Mohit Ulva, and the pair staged an extraordinary rescue act. They added an unbeaten 30 runs in just 16 balls to take India to 339 for 9 in 50 overs. With three runs needed off the final delivery, Ulva smashed a boundary to spark wild celebrations and seal a memorable one-wicket victory.
Pakistan, electing to bat after winning the toss, posted a massive 337 for 9. Usman Khan led the charge with a fluent 107 off 111 balls. Abdul Qadir provided explosive support with 80 off 54, while captain Farhan Yousaf contributed a solid 63 off 60. For India, Kavya Patel claimed four wickets and Chigurupati Venkata took three.
In reply, openers Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani (80 off 101) and Aryaveer Sehwag (58 off 61) laid a strong foundation with a 95-run opening stand. VK Vineet (24) and Manal Chauhan (47 off 32) kept the chase on track, but a middle-order collapse left India reeling at 252 for 8.
Chauhan and Ulva briefly stabilised the innings before Chauhan was dismissed at 309 for 9. At that stage, Pakistan appeared certain winners. However, Ulva played a fearless knock of 49 not out off just 26 balls, laced with five fours and three sixes. Venkata chipped in with a valuable 11 off eight balls, including two boundaries, as the pair refused to give up.
The last-wicket stand turned a near-certain defeat into a famous triumph, making India the Under-19 Asia Cup champions in spectacular fashion.
Chasing a formidable 338, India looked down and out at 309 for 9 in the 48th over. Number 11 batter Chigurupati Venkata joined Mohit Ulva, and the pair staged an extraordinary rescue act. They added an unbeaten 30 runs in just 16 balls to take India to 339 for 9 in 50 overs. With three runs needed off the final delivery, Ulva smashed a boundary to spark wild celebrations and seal a memorable one-wicket victory.
Pakistan, electing to bat after winning the toss, posted a massive 337 for 9. Usman Khan led the charge with a fluent 107 off 111 balls. Abdul Qadir provided explosive support with 80 off 54, while captain Farhan Yousaf contributed a solid 63 off 60. For India, Kavya Patel claimed four wickets and Chigurupati Venkata took three.
In reply, openers Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani (80 off 101) and Aryaveer Sehwag (58 off 61) laid a strong foundation with a 95-run opening stand. VK Vineet (24) and Manal Chauhan (47 off 32) kept the chase on track, but a middle-order collapse left India reeling at 252 for 8.
Chauhan and Ulva briefly stabilised the innings before Chauhan was dismissed at 309 for 9. At that stage, Pakistan appeared certain winners. However, Ulva played a fearless knock of 49 not out off just 26 balls, laced with five fours and three sixes. Venkata chipped in with a valuable 11 off eight balls, including two boundaries, as the pair refused to give up.
The last-wicket stand turned a near-certain defeat into a famous triumph, making India the Under-19 Asia Cup champions in spectacular fashion.
