Hamza Zahoor's unbeaten century guides Pakistan U19 to victory over India

Pakistan defeated India by three wickets in their Group A match of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Under-19 Asia Cup at Al Amerat on Sunday, chasing a target of 209 runs in 48.1 overs.

Right-handed batter Hamza Zahoor led Pakistan’s chase with an unbeaten century, scoring 100 off 108 balls after coming in at number seven.

He was well supported by Hasnain Abbas Dar, who scored 38 after arriving at number six. The pair combined to steer Pakistan towards victory before Hasnain was caught off Manal Chauhan, who claimed three of India’s seven wickets.

Among the other Pakistan batters, Abdul Qadir scored 20 and Usman Khan made 16, while Ahmed Hussain (8), Jahangir Bilal (5) and captain Farhan Yousaf (2) failed to make significant contributions.

Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers restricted India to 208 in 46.3 overs after the latter elected to bat first.

India’s innings was anchored by Arjun Rajput, who smashed 107 off 85 deliveries, including 11 fours and five sixes.

Pakistan made an early breakthrough when Ali Raza dismissed Indian captain Lakshya Raichandani for a duck in the opening over.

Aaryavir Sehwag scored 22 off 40 balls, while VK Vineeth managed eight as India slipped to 22-3 in 11.4 overs.

Rajput then steadied the innings, finding support from Anvay Dravid (10), Manal Chauhan (11) and Kavya Paresh Patel, who contributed 23 off 45 deliveries.

However, Rajput’s dismissal at 170 in the 35.2nd over triggered another collapse, with India losing their remaining five wickets for just 38 runs.

Ali Raza, Rizwanullah and Niqab Shafiq claimed three wickets each for Pakistan, while Mohammad Sayyam picked up one.

Rizwanullah returned economical figures of 3-24 in seven overs, while Ali Raza finished with 3-37 in 10 overs. Sayyam took 1-27 in 8.3 overs.

India’s total included 13 extras.