Pakistan defeated India by three wickets in a closely contested Under-19 Asia Cup match on November 8, with wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor producing an unbeaten century to guide his team to victory. Chasing a target of 209 runs, Pakistan reached 209 for seven in 48.1 overs, overcoming India’s bowling attack with 11 balls to spare.
The match, played at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman, attracted considerable attention because of the presence of Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid in the Indian playing XI. The sons of former India cricketers Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid, respectively, were among the players expected to draw interest in the high-profile India-Pakistan encounter.
However, neither youngster managed to make a substantial contribution with the bat. Aaryavir scored 22 runs from 40 deliveries, while Anvay managed just 10 runs off 16 balls. India’s batting effort was instead led by Arjun Rajput, whose impressive century helped the team recover from an early collapse.
India, after winning the toss, elected to bat first but suffered an immediate setback when captain Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani was dismissed for a duck in the opening over. The early wicket put pressure on the Indian batting order, which struggled to establish partnerships against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack.
VK Vineeth scored eight runs before losing his wicket, while Yashbardhan Chauhan departed after scoring just one. India soon found themselves struggling at 22 for three, with Pakistan firmly in control during the initial stages.
Aaryavir Sehwag attempted to stabilise the innings but could not convert his start into a significant score. He struck one four and a six during his 22-run knock before being dismissed by Niqab Shafiq. His departure left India at 42 for four, increasing the responsibility on the middle and lower order.
Anvay Dravid also failed to provide the innings with the stability it needed. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 10 before Niqab Shafiq removed him, leaving India in a difficult position at 86 for five.
With the top order back in the pavilion, Arjun Rajput took responsibility for rebuilding the innings. He produced an impressive performance under pressure, scoring 107 runs from 85 deliveries. His innings included 11 fours and five sixes, providing India with much-needed momentum.
Rajput combined aggressive stroke play with sensible batting, ensuring that the scoreboard continued to move despite wickets falling at the other end. His century became the foundation of India’s recovery and helped the team reach a competitive total after a disappointing start.
Kavya Patel contributed 23 runs from 45 balls, while Manal Chauhan added 11. However, India could not maintain the momentum for long enough to build a bigger total. The team was eventually bowled out for 208 in 46.3 overs.
Pakistan’s bowling attack shared the wickets effectively, with Ali Raza, Rizwanullah and Niqab Shafiq claiming three wickets each. Mohammad Sayyam picked up the remaining wicket, ensuring that India did not get the opportunity to stretch its total further.
In response, Pakistan also experienced difficulties during the chase as India’s bowlers looked to take advantage of the early breakthroughs. The visitors lost wickets at regular intervals, allowing India to remain competitive despite defending a modest target.
Manal Chauhan emerged as one of India’s most effective bowlers, finishing with three wickets for 32 runs in his 10 overs. He dismissed Abdul Qadir, Ahmed Hussain and Hasnain Abbas Dar, putting Pakistan under pressure during the middle overs.
Mohit Ulva also contributed with two wickets, while Ishan Sood and Kavya Patel claimed one wicket each. India’s bowling attack appeared capable of defending the total, particularly as Pakistan continued to lose batters.
However, Hamza Zahoor changed the direction of the contest with a composed and determined innings. Batting at number seven, the wicketkeeper-batter took responsibility for guiding Pakistan through a challenging chase. Rather than taking unnecessary risks, he concentrated on building partnerships and keeping the required run rate under control.
Zahoor remained unbeaten on 100 from 108 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and three sixes. His innings was particularly valuable because Pakistan had lost several wickets and needed a batter who could stay at the crease until the target was achieved.
Hasnain Abbas Dar provided important support with 38 runs from 67 balls. Their partnership helped Pakistan recover from its setbacks and gradually move closer to victory. Even as wickets continued to fall at the other end, Zahoor maintained his composure and ensured that the chase did not lose direction.
Pakistan eventually reached the target at 209 for seven in 48.1 overs, securing a three-wicket victory. Zahoor’s unbeaten century earned him the Player of the Match award.
The contest offered contrasting batting performances, with Rajput’s hundred keeping India in the game and Zahoor’s century ultimately taking Pakistan across the finish line. For India, the defeat highlighted the importance of building partnerships and providing greater support to players who deliver substantial individual performances.
The match also provided another opportunity for young cricketers from both countries to showcase their abilities on a major age-group platform. While Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid attracted attention because of their cricketing backgrounds, Rajput and Zahoor emerged as the standout performers in a contest that ended in Pakistan’s favour.
