India produced a sensational performance to defeat arch-rivals Pakistan by one wicket and lift the Under-19 Asia Cup title in a thrilling final in Al Amerat. In a dramatic last-over finish, No. 10 batter Mohit Ulva held his nerve to guide India to a remarkable victory while chasing a challenging target of 338 runs.
Pakistan appeared to have the match under control after reducing India to 252/8. However, Manal Chauhan and Mohit Ulva turned the game around with a crucial 57-run partnership. Chauhan contributed a fighting 47 off 32 balls, while Ulva delivered a match-winning unbeaten 49 off just 26 deliveries.
India needed eight runs from the final over, with Pakistan just one wicket away from victory. Despite surviving a stumping appeal and benefiting from a missed run-out opportunity, India kept their hopes alive.
With three runs required from the final delivery, Ulva charged down the track and smashed Ahmed Hussain’s delivery towards wide long-off. The ball raced to the boundary, completing an extraordinary one-wicket victory for India and sparking wild celebrations among the young champions.
Earlier, Pakistan posted an imposing 337/9 in their 50 overs. Usman Khan led the batting effort with 107 off 106 balls, while Abdul Qadir smashed 80 off just 54 deliveries. Farhan Yousaf also made a valuable contribution with 60 runs.
For India, Kavya Patel was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 68 runs, while Chigurupati Venkata picked up three wickets.
India’s chase faced several setbacks, including injuries and crucial dismissals. Captain Lakshya Raichandani scored 80, while the middle order struggled to maintain momentum. With the match slipping away, Chauhan and Ulva produced a remarkable lower-order fightback.
Pakistan’s slow over-rate penalty also meant they had to keep an additional fielder inside the circle during the final five overs, giving India some extra opportunities.
Eventually, Ulva’s fearless batting and composure under pressure proved decisive. His unbeaten 49 became the defining contribution of a memorable final.
The victory marked a memorable triumph for India, who overcame enormous pressure to chase down 338 runs against Pakistan. As the players celebrated with the national flag and lifted the trophy, Mohit Ulva emerged as the unlikely hero of a final that will be remembered for years.
Final Score:
- Pakistan U19: 337/9 (50 overs)
- India U19: 339/9 (50 overs)
- Result: India won by 1 wicket.
- Player of the moment: Mohit Ulva (49* off 26 balls).
