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Hamza Zahoor scored a century to help Pakistan beat India [Source: X]
Pakistan edged out India in a nail-biting thriller in match number eight of the 2026 Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Oman. Hamza Zahoor notched up the winning runs for Pakistan, and also completed a remarkable century in the process.
For India, Arjun Rajput’s fighting century as well as a courageous three-wicket haul from Manal Chauhan went in vain as Pakistan climbed to the top of the Group A points table.
Arjun Rajput charts fighting ton but Ali Raza, Rizwanullah and Niqab skittle India
India U19 skipper Lakshya Raichandani won the toss and opted to bat first. However, the captain himself fell for a two-ball duck at the hands of young Pakistan quick Ali Raza.
VK Vineeth and Yashbardhan Chauhan were also dismissed in quick succession by Ali Raza and Rizwanullah as the ‘Boys in Blue’ succumbed to 22-3 early in the match. Aaryavir Sehwag, who struck an elegant half-century just a few days ago, composed 22 runs off 40 balls before becoming Niqab Shafiq’s first victim of the morning.
Anvay Dravid faced 16 deliveries to score just 10 but his dismissal in the 23rd over reduced India U19 to 86-5 around the halfway stage of the innings.
Batting at number five, Arjun Rajput remained unfazed in his approach despite losing regular partners from the other end. The cricketer shared a 64-run partnership with Manal Chauhan to steer India past the 150-run mark.
Rajput launched 11 boundaries and five huge sixes to slap an enterprising century, smearing 107 runs off just 85 balls. However, his dismissal triggered yet another collapse as India U19 bundled out for just 208 in 46.3 overs.
For Pakistan U19, bowlers Ali Raza (3-37), Rizwanullah (3-24) and Niqab Shafiq (3-42) all picked up three wickets each in the innings.
Hamza Zahoor anchors Pakistan chase to hold off Manal Chauhan
Defending just 209 runs for a win, India U19 bowlers Ishan Sood, Mohit Ulva, Kavya Paresh Patel and Manal Chauhan all struck with the new ball to wreck Pakistan at 61-5.
Wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor, batting at number seven, led Pakistan’s counterattacking approach with a rebellious 107-run rearguard partnership with Hasnain Abbas Dar (38 off 67).
While Manal (3-32) dismissed Hasnain to pick up his third wicket of the game, Hamza remained unbeaten till the very end to anchor Pakistan U19 past the finishing line with 11 balls and three wickets to spare.
The cricketer even completed his century in the process, charting 100* runs off 108 balls with 10 cracking boundaries and three huge sixes.
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