U19 Asia Cup final: Usman, Qadir power Pakistan to flying start against India

Al Amerat, Nov 14: Opener Usman Khan and Abdul Qadir led Pakistan’s charge in the U19 Asia Cup final on Saturday against India at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground here.

Pakistan were off to a flying start to their innings with Usman playing the aggressor. Hayam Khan, the other opener, was dismissed in the ninth over with the scoreboard reading 62/1.

Hayam charged down the pitch looking to go big, but the bowler — Kavya Paresh Patel — cleverly tossed it well outside off. Reaching for the ball, he could only manage a thick outside edge that carried comfortably to the wicketkeeper.

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India would have hoped for the scoring rate to go down a bit after the wicket, only to be disappointed. Qadir joined Usman at the middle and the scoring rate remained high. However, Qadir played the aggressor, while Usman played the second fiddle.

Pakistan were 186/1 at the end of 24 overs, with Usman batting on 77 (72b, 9x4, 2x6) and Qadir on 78 (50b, 3x4, 8x6). The duo had already forged 124 for the second wicket.

This was after Pakistan U19 elected to bat first, setting the stage for another high-stakes clash between the traditional rivals.

The defending champions retained the same Playing XI that secured victory over Bangladesh in the semifinal, showing confidence in a combination that has remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.

Captain Farhan Yousaf said the side preferred batting first as the surface appeared favourable for run-scoring.

India, meanwhile, were forced into a change ahead of the title clash. Pace spearhead Ishan Sood, the team's leading wicket-taker in the competition, missed the final due to a back niggle, with Chigurupati Venkata drafted into the side.

Despite the setback, skipper Lakshya Raichandani expressed confidence in his team's bowling attack and batting unit, which has found form at the crucial stage of the tournament.

The final carries added significance for India, who are chasing a record-extending ninth U19 Asia Cup crown while seeking revenge for last year's defeat to Pakistan in the summit clash. Pakistan, on the other hand, are aiming to successfully defend their title after a flawless campaign.

India's batting has largely revolved around the prolific Aaryavir Sehwag, the tournament's leading run-scorer with 303 runs in four matches, including a century and two half-centuries.

Playing XIs:

India U19: Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani(c), Aaryavir Sehwag, VK Vineeth, Yashbardhan Chauhan, Arjun Rajput, Anvay Dravid(w), Manal Chauhan, Mohit Ulva, Aryan Savsani, Kavya Patel, Chigurupati Venkata.

Pakistan U19: Usman Khan, Hayam Khan, Abdul Qadir, Farhan Yousaf(c), Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza, Hamza Zahoor(w), Hasnain Abbas Dar, Mohammad Sayyam, Rizwanullah, Niqab Shafiq.