In a final that had everything, India U19 pulled off a sensational one-wicket victory over Pakistan to clinch the Under-19 Asia Cup title in a last-ball thriller on Saturday. Just when the defending champions looked certain to seal the trophy, number 10 batter Mohit Ulva produced a breathtaking unbeaten 49 off just 26 balls to guide India home in a remarkable 339-run chase.India, who were chasing a daunting target of 338, finished at 339/9 in 49.6 overs, with Ulva smashing the winning boundary off the final delivery. Chigurupati Venkata remained unbeaten on 11 as the Indian players stormed onto the field to celebrate an unforgettable triumph.
Usman Khan‘s century powers Pakistan to 337/9
Earlier, opener Usman Khan led Pakistan’s batting effort with a brilliant 107 off 106 balls, helping the defending champions post 337/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Usman shared a 62-run opening stand with Hayam Khan before combining with Abdul Qadir for a massive 135-run partnership. Qadir played an aggressive knock of 80 off just 54 deliveries, bringing up his maiden Youth ODI half-century in 39 balls.Captain Farhan Yousaf added further impetus with a 60-run contribution off 63 deliveries, taking Pakistan past the 300-run mark. For India, Kavya Patel was the standout bowler with four wickets for 68 runs, while C Venkata claimed three wickets for 40 runs.
Sehwag, Raichandani give India a solid start
India began the chase positively, with openers Aaryavir Sehwag and captain Lakshya Raichandani putting together a 90-run opening partnership. Sehwag continued his impressive tournament with a fluent 58 off 61 deliveries, including nine boundaries. Despite taking a blow on his forearm during the powerplay, the opener battled through the discomfort and brought up another half-century.Raichandani provided stability at the other end, registering his third half-century of the tournament. The Indian skipper eventually departed for a well-made 80 off 101 balls, with Anvay Dravid following him back to the pavilion after being run out for 19.VK Vineeth contributed 24 before falling to Rizwanullah, who also dismissed Arjun Rajput for 16. Pakistan continued to chip away at the Indian batting order, leaving the chase in serious trouble.
Mohit Ulva produces a stunning rescue act
India’s hopes took another major hit when Yashbardhan Chauhan and Kavya Patel departed in quick succession. With wickets falling at regular intervals, Pakistan appeared firmly in control of the contest. However, Manal Chauhan and Mohit Ulva had other plans. The duo launched a remarkable counterattack, putting together a 57-run partnership that brought India back into the contest.Manal smashed 47 off just 32 deliveries, hitting three fours and three sixes, while Ulva kept attacking from the other end. Manal’s dismissal in the 48th over left India needing 29 runs off 17 balls with just one wicket remaining.Ulva refused to give up, taking the attack to Pakistan’s bowlers. He smashed Mohammad Sayyam for two boundaries and a six in the 49th over, reducing the equation to eight runs from the final six deliveries.
Last-ball drama as India snatch victory
With Pakistan needing just one wicket to seal the title, Ahmed Hussain was handed the responsibility of bowling the final over.Ulva and Venkata kept their composure under immense pressure, collecting crucial singles to bring the equation down to three runs off the final delivery. With the match hanging in the balance, Ulva stepped down the track and smashed Hussain’s delivery towards wide long-off. The ball bounced once before racing to the boundary, sparking wild celebrations in the Indian camp.Ulva remained unbeaten on 49 off 26 balls, agonisingly missing out on a half-century but delivering one of the most memorable knocks in an India-Pakistan age-group final.India finished at 339/9 to complete a remarkable one-wicket victory and lift the Under-19 Asia Cup trophy in dramatic fashion.