Aaryavir Sehwag vs Ali Raza in the spotlight as India U19 look to level the scores vs Pakistan
India and Pakistan will renew their rivalry in a much-watched U-19 Asia Cup Group A match on Sunday, November 8, with an intriguing battle between India’s Aaryavir Sehwag and Pakistan fast bowler Ali Raza expected to take center stage. While both teams have started the tournament on a winning note, the contest has added significance for India, who will be looking to avenge their defeat in last year’s final against the defending champions.
Pakistan won their first Under-19 Asia Cup title in December 2025, beat India by 191 runs in the final in Dubai. The emphatic victory remains a painful memory for the Indian side, who will now have an opportunity to reply against the same opponents in Oman.
Both teams have made impressive starts to their 2026 campaigns. Lakshya Raichandani’s India recorded a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Nepal on Friday as Farhan Yousuf’s Pakistan beat hosts UAE by nine wickets to start their title defense on a winning note. Both sides will now look to carry that momentum into what promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage.
AARYAVIR SEHWAG HAS ANNOUNCED
Much of India’s batting attention will be on Aaryavir, son of former India opener Virender Sehwag, after his impressive performance against Nepal. The youngster produced an attacking unbeaten 70 off just 52 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries and four sixes to help India complete their chase of 129 in just 19.1 overs.
Aaryavir looked confident throughout his innings, combining aggressive stroke play with the ability to find gaps and keep the scoreboard moving. His innings was particularly encouraging as he seized the opportunity without allowing the opposition bowlers to settle.
Captain Lakshya Raichandani provided excellent support at the other end, scoring an unbeaten 53 off 63 balls. The pair put together an unbroken opening partnership to guide India to victory without losing a wicket.
However, the challenge against Pakistan will be considerably tougher, especially with Ali Raza leading an attack that can disrupt India’s top order.
The Pakistani pacer was among the top performers in last year’s final, when he dismissed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for 26 off just 10 deliveries. The left-handed opener had already hit three sixes before Ali found his edge, with wicketkeeper Hamza Zahoor completing the catch. Ali finished with figures of 4/42, also accounting for Ayush Mhatre, Kanishk Chouhan and Deepesh Devendran.
ALI RAZA PRESENTS ANOTHER CHALLENGE
The previous meeting between the two sides offered a glimpse of Ali’s ability to hit the ground running against India’s attacking batsmen. This time, the focus could shift to Aaryavir who will look to make his mark against the Pakistan pacer. After a smooth half-century against Nepal, the Indian opener will be eager to take his confidence into a much bigger competition.
Ali, meanwhile, will be looking to repeat his performance from last year’s final. His ability to generate pace and trouble the batsmen with the new ball could be crucial against an Indian top order that has already shown its attacking potential.
Pakistan also has considerable batting firepower. Opener Usman Khan was a standout against the UAE as he smashed an unbeaten 139 off 120 deliveries to guide his team to victory. Pakistan chased down a target of 225 in 37.3 overs with Jahangir Bilal and Abdul Qadir also part of a batting unit that will give the Indian bowlers a lot to think about.
India, meanwhile, will look to their bowling attack to put up another strong performance. Ishan Sood was particularly impressive against Nepal, returning figures of 3/18 in 10 overs. Mohit Ulva is also expected to provide support with the new ball, while the spin combination of Yashveer Goud and Arjun Rajput could prove important in the middle overs.
With both teams posting convincing wins in their opening matches, Sunday’s encounter will be a much tougher test. India will be keen to even the score against the defending champions, while Pakistan will be looking to strengthen their credentials as title contenders.
WHEN TO WATCH CLASH INDIA VS PAKISTAN IN CLASH ASIA CUP U19
The India vs Pakistan U19 Asia Cup match will start at 10:30 am IST and 9 am local time.
WHERE TO WATCH CLASH INDIA VS PAKISTAN IN CLASH ASIA CUP U19
Sony Sports Network has the broadcasting rights for the U19 Asia Cup. Live streaming of the match will be available on Sony LIV.
CONTACTS FOR CONTACT INDIA VS PAKISTAN
India: Lakshya Raichandani (C), Aaryavir Sehwag, VK Vineeth, Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan (VC), Kushagra Ojha, Arjun Rajput, Manal Chauhan, Anvay Dravid (WK), Rajat Baghel (WK), V. Yashveer, Aryan Savsani, Is Shavinod Vinatel, Ulva,
Pakistan: Farhan Yousuf (C), Abdul Qadir (WK), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza, Hamza Zahoor (WK), Hasnain Abbas Dar, Hayam Khan, Huzaifa Ahsan, Jahangir Bilal, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Seyam, Riqab Khannul, Usanullah Shafiq.
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