ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Under-19 produced an explosive batting performance against arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup final, posting an imposing 337 for nine in 50 overs after their top and middle order launched an aggressive assault on the Indian bowling attack.
However, India fought back strongly in the closing stages, taking a series of wickets to prevent Pakistan from building an even bigger total.
Pakistan maintained a healthy scoring rate throughout much of their innings, with Usman Khan, Abdul Qadir and captain Farhan Yousaf leading the charge.
Usman Khan’s Century Sets the Tone
Usman Khan spearheaded Pakistan’s batting effort with a superb 107 off 111 deliveries, striking 11 boundaries and three sixes.
His innings provided the foundation for Pakistan’s formidable total, combining controlled stroke play with timely aggression.
Abdul Qadir then accelerated the scoring with an outstanding 80 off just 54 balls, smashing three fours and eight sixes at a remarkable strike rate of 148.14.
Captain Farhan Yousaf also made a valuable contribution, scoring 63 off 60 deliveries, including four boundaries and three sixes.
Meanwhile, Hayam Khan added 21 runs, while Ahmed Hussain contributed 17 as Pakistan continued to put pressure on India’s bowlers.
Indian Bowlers Stage Late Comeback
Despite Pakistan’s strong batting display, India’s bowlers recovered in the latter stages and prevented the batting side from fully capitalising on its commanding position.
Pakistan were 299 for four when Ahmed Hussain departed in the 44.1st over. The innings then suffered a dramatic setback as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Farhan Yousaf was dismissed at 305, followed by Hasnain Abbas Dar at 311 and Hamza Zahoor at 317.
Niqab Shafiq became the ninth batter to fall, leaving Pakistan at 332 for nine before the final pair added four more runs.
The late collapse meant Pakistan scored only 37 runs for the loss of five wickets after reaching 299 for four.
Indian Bowling Attack Shares the Wickets
Chiragpati Venkata emerged as India’s most successful bowler, claiming three wickets for 40 runs in five overs.
Arjun Rajput and B. Patel took two wickets each, while Aryan Savsani and VK Vineeth picked up one apiece.
However, India’s bowlers had endured considerable pressure earlier in the innings, particularly from Pakistan’s aggressive middle order.
India Face Daunting 338-Run Target
Despite the late setbacks, Pakistan finished with a challenging total of 336 for nine, leaving India needing 337 runs to win the Under-19 Asia Cup title.
The contest now turns to India’s batting lineup, which faces a demanding chase in a high-pressure final against its traditional rival.
For Pakistan, the key challenge will be converting their commanding first-innings performance into victory through disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
