Cricket / India go down fighting as Hamza Zahoor heroics power Pakistan win at U19 Asia Cup

Muscat, Nov 8: Pakistan overcame a dramatic top-order collapse through a magnificent unbeaten century from wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor to defeat India by three wickets in a Group A clash of the ACC Men's Under-19 Asia Cup on Sunday.

Chasing a modest target of 209, the defending champions looked in deep trouble at 61/5 after India's bowlers ripped through the top order. But Zahoor produced a match-winning knock under pressure, remaining unbeaten on 100 off 108 deliveries to steer Pakistan home with 11 balls to spare.

The wicketkeeper-batter fittingly sealed victory in the 49th over with a crisp drive past extra cover. After reaching his century, he celebrated by pulling a note from his pocket and displaying it to Pakistan supporters.

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The message read, "Tomorrow match 50 Hamza Zahoor." Having targeted a half-century, Zahoor ended up doubling that mark in spectacular fashion.

Earlier, India's innings was built almost entirely around a brilliant century from Arjun Rajput. After opting to bat first, India stumbled to 42/4 as Pakistan's pace attack kept scoring opportunities to a minimum.

Captain Lakshya Raichandani, Aaryavir Sehwag, VK Vineeth and Yashbardhan Chauhan all fell cheaply, leaving the side under severe pressure.

Rajput then launched a counterattack, hammering 107 off just 85 balls, including 11 fours and five sixes. The Punjab batter stitched together partnerships of 44 runs with Anvay Dravid and 64 with Manal Chauhan, scoring the majority of the runs in both stands.

However, his dismissal in the 36th over with India at 170/7 triggered another collapse. India slipped from a promising position to 195/9 before a useful last-wicket stand between Kavya Patel and Ishan Sood pushed the total to 208 in 46.3 overs.

Pakistan's bowling effort was led by medium pacers Ali Raza (3/37) and Rizwanullah (3/24), while left-arm spinner Niqab Shafiq (3/42) also played a key role.

India fought back strongly with the ball. Sood, Mohit Ulva, Manal Chauhan and Kavya Patel struck regularly to reduce Pakistan to 61/5, putting the chase on a knife-edge.

The turning point came through a crucial 107-run sixth-wicket partnership between Zahoor and Hasnain Abbas Dar, who contributed 38. Even after Dar's dismissal and another wicket soon after, Zahoor remained composed, expertly managing the chase while shielding the lower order.

India were also left to rue costly missed opportunities, including two dropped chances offered by opener Usman Khan and a pair of wides conceded in the closing stages.

The victory keeps Pakistan firmly on course in the tournament, while India, fresh from a 10-wicket win over Nepal in their opener, will look to bounce back against the UAE on Tuesday.

Brief Scores: India 208 all out in 46.3 overs (Arjun Rajput 107, Kavya Patel 23; Ali Raza 3-37, Niqab Shafiq 3-42) lost to Pakistan 209/7 in 48.1 overs (Hamza Zahoor 100 not out, Hasnain Abbas Dar 38; Manal Chauhan 3-32, Mohit Ulva 2-45) by three wickets.

(IANS)