MUSCAT: Pakistan Under-19 cricket team registered a sensational three-wicket victory over arch-rivals India in the ACC Men's Under-19 Asia Cup 2026 on Sunday, courtesy of an outstanding unbeaten century by wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor, who produced a remarkable rescue act after his side suffered a dramatic top-order collapse.
Playing at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman, Pakistan successfully chased a target of 209 runs in 48.1 overs, with 11 deliveries remaining, to secure their second consecutive victory in the tournament.
The defending champions appeared to be heading towards defeat when their batting lineup crumbled to 61 for five inside the first 15 overs, leaving India firmly in control of the encounter.
However, Hamza Zahoor displayed exceptional determination and maturity under pressure, scoring an unbeaten 100 from 108 deliveries, including 10 boundaries and three sixes, to turn the match decisively in Pakistan's favour.
Coming to the crease at number seven, Hamza carefully rebuilt the innings before gradually shifting the momentum through confident stroke play and intelligent running between the wickets.
His magnificent innings was supported by Hasnain Abbas Dar, who contributed a valuable 38 runs from 67 balls. Together, the pair established a match-changing 107-run partnership for the sixth wicket, frustrating the Indian bowlers and reviving Pakistan's hopes.
Their determined stand transformed the contest, which had appeared almost beyond Pakistan's reach following the early dismissals.
Although India managed to break the partnership and claim another wicket, Hamza maintained his composure and guided Pakistan to victory alongside Niqab Shafiq, who remained unbeaten on two runs.
Hamza's exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Match award and widespread appreciation for his ability to deliver under pressure in a high-profile contest.
Earlier, India elected to bat first but struggled against Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack, eventually being dismissed for 208 runs in 46.3 overs.
Indian batter Arjun Rajput played a brilliant innings of 107 runs from just 85 balls, striking 11 fours and five sixes. His aggressive century provided much-needed resistance after India's batting order came under early pressure.
Pakistan's bowlers initially dominated the contest, reducing India to 42 for four before Rajput launched a determined counterattack.
Despite his impressive performance, the Indian batting lineup failed to build substantial partnerships, allowing Pakistan to restrict the opposition to a manageable total.
Rizwanullah emerged as one of Pakistan's most effective bowlers, claiming three wickets for 24 runs, while Ali Raza captured three for 37 and Niqab Shafiq took three for 42.
Mohammad Sayyam also contributed with a wicket as Pakistan's bowling unit delivered a collective performance to prevent India from posting a larger total.
For India, Manal Chauhan returned impressive figures of three wickets for 32 runs, while Mohit Ulva claimed two wickets for 45 runs, but their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by Hamza's match-winning century.
The victory marked Pakistan's second successive success in Group A, following their commanding nine-wicket triumph over the United Arab Emirates on November 6, when Usman Khan struck an unbeaten 139.
The latest result further strengthened Pakistan's position in the tournament and continued their impressive record against India in recent Under-19 Asia Cup encounters.
Pakistan had also defeated India by 191 runs in the final of the previous edition in Dubai to claim the championship.
The latest encounter will be remembered particularly for Hamza Zahoor's extraordinary temperament, as the young batter demonstrated remarkable resilience to rescue his team from a seemingly hopeless position.
His performance highlighted the depth of emerging cricketing talent in Pakistan and provided another encouraging sign for the country's future in international cricket.
Brief Scores: India U19: 208 all out in 46.3 overs (Arjun Rajput 107; Rizwanullah 3-24, Ali Raza 3-37, Niqab Shafiq 3-42). Pakistan U19: 209-7 in 48.1 overs (Hamza Zahoor 100 not out, Hasnain Abbas Dar 38; Manal Chauhan 3-32).
Result: Pakistan U19 won by three wickets with 11 balls remaining.
Player of the Match: Hamza Zahoor (Pakistan).
Source: Rewritten and independently compiled for The Financial Daily, based on the official match report issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on November 8, 2026, and publicly reported match information.
