Hamza Zahoor’s Sensational Century Powers Pakistan to Thrilling Victory Over India in U19 Asia Cup
MUSCAT: Pakistan produced a memorable performance to defeat arch-rivals India by three wickets in a thrilling ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 encounter at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Sunday, with Hamza Zahoor emerging as the hero through a magnificent unbeaten century.
In pursuit of 209, Pakistan found themselves in deep trouble at 65-5 before Zahoor and Hasnain Abbas Dar launched a remarkable recovery, guiding their team to victory in the 49th over with three wickets remaining.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a disappointing start as Jahangir Bilal departed for five in the third over. Usman Khan, fresh from scoring a century against UAE in the previous match, could only manage 16 before losing his wicket.
Abdul Qadir contributed 20, but his dismissal was followed by a quick collapse. India captain Farhan Yousaf was dismissed for just two, while Ahmed Hussain managed eight, leaving Pakistan in serious trouble at 65-5.
With the match slipping away, Zahoor and Hasnain Abbas Dar took responsibility and completely changed the complexion of the contest. The duo put together a crucial 107-run partnership for the sixth wicket, displaying tremendous patience, composure and determination against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.
Zahoor reached his half-century in Youth ODIs during the stand, while Abbas Dar played a valuable supporting innings of 38 from 67 balls, hitting two boundaries.
Manal Chauhan eventually broke the partnership by dismissing Abbas Dar, but Zahoor continued his outstanding effort. Despite losing Mohammad Sayyam for four shortly afterwards, the right-handed batter kept his composure and guided Pakistan home.
Zahoor remained unbeaten on a spectacular 100 off 108 deliveries, smashing 10 fours and three sixes to complete a memorable century and seal a famous victory for Pakistan.
Earlier, India, after electing to bat, were bowled out for 208 in 46.3 overs, largely due to an impressive collective effort from Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Ali Raza made an immediate impact, sending Indian captain Lakshya Raichandani back for a duck on just the second delivery of the innings. He later removed VK Vineeth for eight to leave India in early trouble.
Rizwanullah joined the attack with the wicket of Yashbardhan Chauhan, reducing India to 22-3. Niqab Shafiq then dismissed Aaryavir Sehwag for 22 as Pakistan maintained control during the opening stages.
India’s innings needed a rescue act, and Arjun Rajput stepped up with an outstanding performance. After Anvay Dravid departed for 10, Arjun combined with Manal Chauhan to rebuild the innings through a 64-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Arjun continued to attack with confidence, bringing up his half-century before going on to register a brilliant maiden Youth ODI hundred. His innings of 107 off just 85 balls featured 11 fours and five sixes.
However, Rizwanullah provided Pakistan with two decisive breakthroughs, first removing Chauhan for 11 and then ending Arjun’s remarkable knock at 170-7.
Ali Raza returned to dismiss Yashveer Goud for four, while Niqab Shafiq completed his three-wicket haul by removing Mohit Ulva for seven.
Kavya Paresh Patel offered some late resistance with 23 off 45 balls, but Mohammad Sayyam dismissed him to bring India’s innings to an end at 208.
For Pakistan, Ali Raza, Rizwanullah and Niqab Shafiq picked up three wickets apiece, while Mohammad Sayyam claimed one.
Pakistan’s bowling effort laid the foundation, but it was Hamza Zahoor’s extraordinary unbeaten century, supported by Hasnain Abbas Dar’s crucial contribution, that ultimately secured a memorable triumph over India.
