Pakistan lose thrilling U19 Asia Cup final to India on last ball

India pulled off a dramatic one-wicket victory over Pakistan to win the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup, chasing down a challenging target of 338 on the final ball of the match at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat on Saturday.

Mohit Ulva and Chigurupati Venkata held their nerve in a tense finish to guide India to the title after Pakistan appeared to have the match firmly under control.

India were struggling at 252 for eight in the 42nd over when Manal Chauhan and Ulva revived their hopes with a crucial 57-run partnership for the ninth wicket.

Chauhan scored 47 off 32 balls, including three fours and three sixes, before being dismissed in the 48th over, leaving India needing 29 runs from the final 16 deliveries.

With eight runs required in the final over, Pakistan’s Ahmed Hussain conceded five runs in the first five balls, including a wide.

Ulva then struck a boundary off the final delivery to seal a memorable one-wicket victory for India. He remained unbeaten on 49 off 26 balls, while Venkata contributed 11 off eight deliveries.

Earlier, Pakistan posted an imposing 337 for nine after being put into bat.

Usman Khan led the innings with a century, scoring 107 off 111 balls, while Abdul Qadir contributed 80 off 54 deliveries and captain Farhan Yousaf made 63 off 60 balls.

The three major contributions helped Pakistan build a formidable total, but India kept the scoring in check with Kavya Paresh Patel claiming four wickets, while Venkata took three and Arjun Rajput picked up one.

In reply, India were given a strong start by captain Lakshya Raichandani, who scored 80 off 101 balls, and Aaryavir Sehwag, who made 58 off 61 deliveries.

However, Pakistan fought back with regular wickets before Ulva and Chauhan turned the contest around in the closing overs.

The victory handed India the Under-19 Asia Cup title in a final that went down to the last delivery.