Wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor produced a magnificent unbeaten century under pressure to guide defending champions Pakistan U19 to a dramatic three-wicket victory over arch-rivals India U19 in a thrilling Group A clash of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Sunday.
This was Pakistan’s second successive win in the tournament, following their nine-wicket win over UAE, courtesy of Usman Khan’s unbeaten 139 in the previous match on 6 November.
Chasing 209, Pakistan crossed the finish line in 48.1 overs with three wickets in hand and 11 balls to spare, courtesy of a match-winning unbeaten 100 off 108 balls from Hamza, who struck 10 fours and three sixes.
Pakistan defeated India by a commanding 191 runs in the final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Dubai to lift the trophy last year.
Pakistan’s chase began on a difficult note as they slipped to 61 for five inside 15 overs. With the defending champions facing a challenging situation, Hamza displayed remarkable composure and determination to turn the contest in Pakistan’s favour.
He combined with Hasnain Abbas Dar (38, 67b, 2x4s) for a crucial 107-run sixth-wicket partnership that revived Pakistan’s hope and shifted the momentum.
Despite losing Hasnain and Mohammad Sayyam (4, 13b), Hamza remained unbeaten and guided Pakistan home alongside Niqab Shafiq (2 not out), completing his outstanding century in a pressure-filled run chase.
For India, Manal Chauhan took three wickets for 32.
Earlier, after opting to bat first, India were bowled out for 208 in 46.3 overs despite a fighting century from Arjun Rajput, who struck 107 off 85 balls, including 11 fours and five sixes.
Pakistan’s bowlers made early inroads, reducing India to 42 for four in 16.4 overs.
Ali Raza (3-37), Rizwanullah (3-24) and Niqab Shafiq (3-42) shared nine wickets between them, while Mohammad Sayyam returned economical figures of one for 27 from 8.3 overs.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan U19 beat India U19 by three wickets at Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Oman
India U19 208 all out, 46.3 overs (Arjun Rajput 107, Kavya Paresh Patel 23, Aaryavir Sehwag 22; Rizwanullah 3-24, Ali Raza 3-37, Niqab Shafiq 3-42)
Pakistan U19 209-7, 48.1 overs (Hamza Zahoor 100 not out, Hasnain Abbas Dar 38, Abdul Qadir 20; Manal Chauhan 3-32, Mohit Ulva 2-45)
Player of the match – Hamza Zahoor (Pakistan U19)
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