U19 Asia Cup: Pakistan spoil India’s Diwali party as Arjun Rajput’s 107 runs out

Arjun Rajput gave India a fighting chance with a breathtaking century but Hamza Zahoor ensured the night belonged to Pakistan. In a stunning turnaround, Zahoor smashed an unbeaten 100 to lead Pakistan to a three-wicket victory and spoil India’s Diwali party in the Under-19 Asia Cup.

Rajput’s magnificent 107 off 85 balls lifted India to 208 after a disastrous start, but Zahoor’s composure under pressure proved crucial as Pakistan chased down the target with 12 balls to spare at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Minister Turf 2), Al Amerat.

India were firmly in control for most of the chase. Pakistan were staring at defeat after slipping to 61/5 but Zahoor refused to let the innings collapse. He combined with Hasnain Abbas Dar for a crucial 107-run partnership before taking the lead in the closing stages. What started as a desperate recovery turned into a memorable victory, with Zahoor’s unbeaten hundred eclipsing Rajput’s heroics.

The result also extended Pakistan’s win against India in the Under-19 Asia Cup to two consecutive editions. They defeated their arch-rivals in Dubai last year, powered by a sensational 171 from Sameer Minhas. This time it was Zahoor who played the role of match winner and gave Pakistan another memorable victory over India.

The win also changed the standings of Group A, sending Pakistan back to the top and moving India to second place. India will now look to bounce back when they face the UAE on November 10.

PAKISTAN’S NEW BALL ATTACK IN INDIA

India’s innings got off to a disastrous start as Pakistan’s fast bowlers took advantage of the conditions brilliantly. Pace, bounce and lateral movement were on offer and the Indian batsmen struggled to cope with a disciplined attack with the new ball.

Ali Raza struck in the opening over, dismissing Indian skipper Lakshya Raichandani for a duck. He came back to remove VK Vineetha for eight, leaving India in immediate trouble. The next victim was Yashbardhan Chauhan, who was bowled by Rizwanullah for one after being bowled by a delivery that came back.

India were reduced to 22/3, with Pakistan firmly in control. The visitors held firm and did not allow the Indian batsmen to find easy boundaries. Aaryavir Sehwag and Rajput tried to steady the innings with Sehwag showing patience against a testing attack.

Sehwag made 22 off 40 balls, hitting a four and a six, but his dismissal in the 17th over left India with another rebuild. He attempted a sweep against Niqab Shafiq but found Mohammad Sayyam at deep mid-wicket. India were 40/3 and the responsibility of holding the innings together fell on Rajput.

RAJPUT LAUNCHES INDIAN FIGHTBACK

Rajput responded with an innings that combined poise and aggression. Instead of allowing Pakistan’s bowlers to dictate terms, he began to take calculated risks and put pressure back on the opposition. He used sweep against spin effectively and punished deliveries that were short or over pitched.

Finding boundaries against Ali Raza and Niqab Shafiq, he helped India recover from their early collapse. Anvay Dravid offered some support with 10 but his dismissal meant that Rajput had to continue with the innings.

The right-hander has found an able partner in Manal Chauhan. The duo put together a crucial partnership and gave India the stability it desperately needed. Manal contributed 11 before Rizwanullah broke the stand but Rajput continued to attack.

His century arrived in just 80 balls, a remarkable effort given the circumstances in which he walked out to bat. Rajput ended up making 107 off 85 deliveries, hitting 11 fours and five sixes. It was an innings of immense responsibility and attacking intent that showcased his ability to take on an attack that had dominated the opening exchanges.

INDIA’S LOSS AFTER THE DEPARTURE OF RAJPUTA

Rajput’s dismissal in the 36th over, with India at 169/6, proved to be the turning point. Rizwanullah finally ended his resistance and Manal Chauhan followed suit. With Rajput and Manal back in the pavilion, the lower order faced a tough task.

Rizwanullah was the outstanding bowler for Pakistan and finished with figures of 3/24 from seven overs. He also removed Yashbardhan Chauhan before being forced off the field in the 42nd over after suffering cramp while taking a catch at deep mid-wicket.

Ali Raza and Niqab Shafiq also contributed significantly, claiming three wickets each. Raza finished with 3/37 while Shafiq returned figures of 3/42. The three bowlers shared nine wickets between them which ensured that India could not get the most out of Rajput’s excellent effort.

Kavya Patel tried to keep the innings moving with a patient 23 off 45 balls. He managed to cross the 200-run mark but fell to Mohammad Sayyam in the 47th over. India’s innings eventually ended at 208 in 46.3 overs, with the team losing their last five wickets for just 39 runs after Rajput’s departure.

Despite the late collapse, Rajput’s innings gave India a total to defend. The onus was now on their bowlers to finish the job.

INDIA PUT PAKISTAN UNDER PRESSURE

Pakistan’s response started with promise but soon threatened to fall apart. India’s bowlers kept up the pressure and the visitors lost wickets at regular intervals. Mohit Ulva and Ishan Sood struck early while Manal Chauhan hit big with the ball.

Manal dismissed Abdul Qadir before removing Ahmed Hussain for eight. Kavya Patel then sent Pakistan skipper Farhan Yousaf back for two, leaving the visitors at 61/5. India took control and looked well placed to defend their unit.

With Pakistan in trouble, Zahoor knew he had to take charge. He started cautiously, prioritizing his wicket over the successive order. Against spin he used sweep, rotated strike and punished loose deliveries. Hasnain Abbas Dar provided valuable support at the other end, allowing Zahoor to build his innings without taking any unnecessary risks.

The pair put together a match-defining stand of 107 runs for the sixth wicket. Zahoor brought up his half-century in 55 balls while Dar played patiently to keep Pakistan in the contest. Their partnership completely changed the face of the chase and took Pakistan from the brink of defeat to a position where victory was possible.

ZAHOOR LEADS PAKISTAN HOME

India finally found a way to break the partnership when Dar was caught by Manal Chauhan’s Arjun Rajput for 38. Mohammad Sayyam also fell to Mohit Ulva which gave India another opening. But with the required runs within reach, Zahoor took the lead.

He handled the attack smartly, finding crucial boundaries and ensuring that Pakistan did not lose their way in the closing stages. Zahoor completed his unbeaten 100, capping off a remarkable innings under pressure to guide Pakistan to victory with 12 balls to spare.

Manal finished with 3/32 from his 10 overs while Mohit took 2/45. However, their efforts were not enough to prevent Zahoor from completing Pakistan’s remarkable comeback.

For India, Rajput’s 107 was a remarkable effort that deserved a winning cause. He pulled India out of trouble and gave his team a fighting total, but Zahoor produced a decisive reply in the chase. Once again, Pakistan walked away with the bragging rights, leaving India to regroup ahead of their next Group A match.

– The end