Al Amerat, Oman: In a summit clash worthy of cricket’s greatest rivalry, India Under-19 pulled off an unforgettable escape from the jaws of defeat, edging out arch-rivals Pakistan by one wicket on the final ball to win the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026. Chasing a daunting target of 338 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground, the Boys in Blue recovered from a perilous 252/8 to script a historic comeback, avenging their earlier group-stage defeat and securing a record-extending ninth continental title.
Lower-Order Miracle: Mohit Ulva and Manal Chauhan Steal the Show
With India’s top and middle order back in the pavilion and the required run rate climbing past 10 an over, Pakistan appeared firmly on course to defend their crown. However, No. 8 batter Manal Chauhan and No. 10 Mohit Ulva had other ideas.
The duo stitched together a counter-attacking 57-run partnership for the ninth wicket that completely flipped the script. Chauhan blazed his way to 47 off just 32 deliveries (3 fours, 3 sixes) before falling in the 48th over with 30 runs still needed.
Undeterred by the loss of his partner, Mohit Ulva produced the innings of his life, hammering an unbeaten 49 off 26 balls. With eight runs needed off the final over bowled by Ahmed Hussain and just one wicket in hand, Ulva and last man Chigurupati Venkata rotated the strike intelligently. Needing three runs off the final delivery, Ulva charged down the track and lofted the ball cleanly through wide long-off for a boundary, sparking wild celebrations in the Indian dugout.
Strong Start Followed by a Middle-Order Collapse
Earlier in the chase, captain Lakshya Raichandani and opener Aaryavir Sehwag laid a solid foundation, sharing a brisk 95-run opening stand. Sehwag departed after a fluent 58, while Raichandani anchored the innings with a composed 80.
India’s momentum stalled drastically in the middle overs as Pakistani bowlers—led by Rizwanullah (3/53)—triggered a collapse. Wickets tumbled in clusters, including a double blow that saw Raichandani dismissed and Anvay Dravid run out on consecutive deliveries, leaving India reeling at 252/8 before the late-order heroics saved the day.
Usman Khan’s Century Powers Pakistan to 337/9
Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan posted a formidable 337/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Opener Usman Khan anchored the innings with a masterful 107 off 111 balls. He received explosive support from Abdul Qadir, who smashed 80 off 54 balls, and skipper Farhan Yousaf, who contributed a steady 63 off 60 deliveries.
Just when Pakistan threatened to breach the 360-run mark, India’s bowlers staged a disciplined death-overs comeback, snapping up six wickets in the final six overs. Kavya Patel was the pick of the Indian bowlers with four wickets, while Chigurupati Venkata claimed three crucial scalps to keep the target within reach.
