India beat Pakistan by one wicket in the Under-19 Asia Cup final on Saturday at the Oman Academy Cricket Ground in Al Amerat, securing a record-extending ninth title.
Chasing a target of 338, India slipped to 252-8 in the 42nd over before a 57-run ninth-wicket partnership between Manal Chauhan and Mohit Ulva rescued the innings, Al Jazeera reported.
Ulva hit an unbeaten 49 off 26 deliveries, striking a boundary off the final ball when three runs were needed for victory, while Chauhan contributed 47 from 32 balls.
“[This] tournament had not gone well for me, but I had belief that I would be able to deliver today,” Ulva said after the match.
Chasing 337 runs
Pakistan posted 337-9 after winning the toss and electing to bat first in the 50-over match.
Opener Usman Khan led Pakistan’s scoring with 107 runs off 111 balls, supported by Abdul Qadir with 80 runs and captain Farhan Yousaf with 63.
India built their reply on an opening stand featuring captain Lakshya Raichandani, who scored 80 off 101 balls, and Aaryavir Sehwag, who made 58 from 61 deliveries.
Sehwag finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 361 runs across five innings.
Aggression sparks criticism
Post-match celebrations turned contentious when members of the winning team directed aggressive gestures toward Pakistan’s players.
An Indian player yelled and gesticulated in the face of Pakistan wicketkeeper Hamza Zahoor, who did not respond, while other players kicked in the direction of the Pakistan dressing room.
Both sides skipped the customary post-match handshake, continuing a recurring practice from recent bilateral matches affected by political tensions.
“[You] are not just representing your country. In fact, you are representing your upbringing, the values and the ethics your parents taught you as a child,” Mohammad Yousuf wrote in a post on X.
“Therefore, always remain respectful and composed, whether in victory or defeat. True sportsmanship is reflected in the way you conduct yourself, regardless of the outcome,” former Pakistan cricket captain Mohammad Yousuf wrote in a post on X.
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