Hamza Zahoor’s century eclipses Arjun Rajput’s 107 as Pakistan U19 thrash India by three wickets

Pakistan Under-19s produced a memorable three-wicket win over arch-rivals India in the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2026, with captain Hamza Zahoor producing a composed century to guide his team home in a thrilling chase in Al Amerat, Oman on Sunday.Chasing 209, Pakistan found themselves in deep trouble at 63/5, with the Indian bowlers threatening to take the game away. But Zahoor held his nerve and led a remarkable recovery as he stitched a crucial 107-run partnership with Hasnain Abbas Dar to turn the contest around.Dar contributed 38 off 67 balls before departing for 168/6, giving India another opening. But Zahoor continued to anchor the chase and eventually took Pakistan over the finish line with three wickets.The result gave Pakistan an important win in Group A over arch-rivals and cemented their position in the race for a place in the semi-finals.

Arjuna Rajput’s fighting century saves India

Earlier, India endured a disastrous start after skipper Lakshya Raichandani was dismissed for a duck in the first match. Pakistan’s fast attack kept the pressure on and reduced India to 42/4 and then 86/5.With the top order back in the pavilion, Arjun Rajput took charge and launched a counter-attack. The left-hander smashed 107 off 85 deliveries, hitting 11 fours and five sixes to take India to a fighting total.Rajput found useful support from Anvay Dravid (10) and Manal Chauhan (11), but his dismissal at 170/7 in the 36th over triggered another collapse. India lost their remaining wickets for 38 runs and were bowled out for 208 in 46.3 overs. Kavya Patel’s 23 provided a late contribution to help India cross the 200-run mark.

Pakistan bowlers keep India in check

Pakistan’s bowling unit played a major role in restricting India to 208. Ali Raza led the charge with three wickets while Rizwanullah and Niqab Shafiq also claimed three wickets apiece. Early strikes from Raza and the pressure maintained by Mohammad Sayyam put India on the back foot before the spinners tightened their grip in the middle overs.

India fight back but Zahoor stands firm

India did not facilitate Pakistan’s pursuit. Manal Chauhan picked up two wickets while Kavya Patel and Mohit Ulva also struck as Pakistan slipped to 61/5. But Záhoor’s partnership with Dar changed the course of the match. Even after Dar’s dismissal, the Pakistan skipper remained in control and finished the job, sealing a three-wicket win for his side.