Under-19 Asia Cup: Pakistan defeats India by three wickets after Hamza Zahoor century

India suffered a three-wicket defeat against Pakistan in their group match of the Under-19 Asia Cup ODI tournament held in Al Amerat, Oman. Batting first after winning the toss, India was bowled out for 208 runs in 46.3 overs. Nineteen-year-old Arjun Rajput rescued India from a collapse by scoring 107 runs off 85 balls, hitting five sixes and eleven fours. Aryaveer Sehwag scored 22 runs, and Anvay Dravid made 10 runs. For Pakistan, Ali Raza, Rizwanullah, and Niqab Shafiq took three wickets each.

Pakistan Chase

Chasing a target of 209 runs, Pakistan struggled early and fell to 61 for five in 14.4 overs as Ishan Sood, Mohit Ulva, Manal Chauhan, and other Indian bowlers struck regular blows. However, wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor hit an unbeaten 100 runs off 108 balls, sharing a crucial 107-run sixth-wicket partnership with Hasnain Abbas Dar, who contributed 38 runs. Pakistan reached the target in 48.1 overs at seven wickets down, securing a spot in the semi-finals. India's next match is against the UAE on the 10th.

Context

This tournament match brings together traditional cricketing rivals at the youth level in Oman. Group-stage matches in the Under-19 Asia Cup determine which teams advance to the knockout semi-finals. India's next fixture is against the UAE.