NEW DELHI, Nov 14: India pulled off a remarkable one-wicket victory over Pakistan in a thrilling last ball final to clinch the U19 Asia Cup 2026 at Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Saturday.
India overhauled the target in the last ball of the match to lift the title after several twists and turns. Mohit Ulva emerged as the hero, delivering an unbeaten 49 to complete a stunning turnaround with a boundary off the final ball. Chasing 338, India appeared to be heading towards defeat after losing eight wickets for 252 runs. However, Manal Chauhan and Mohit refused to surrender, putting together a crucial 57-run partnership that brought the contest back to life. After Manal’s dismissal, Mohit took responsibility and guided India through the tense closing stages.
Earlier, Pakistan had posted 337 after opting to bat first. Usman Khan led the charge with a brilliant 107, while Abdul Qadir contributed 80 off 54 deliveries. Captain Farhan Yousaf also played a valuable innings of 63 from 60 balls.
India’s bowlers managed to prevent Pakistan from running away with the game, with Kavya Patel claiming four wickets and Chigurupati Venkata picking up three. Venkata had come into the playing XI as a replacement for the injured Ishan Sood.
India began their pursuit positively, with Lakshya Raichandani and Aaryavir Sehwag adding 95 runs for the opening wicket. Sehwag scored 58 off 61 balls, while Lakshya top-scored with 80. However, the dismissal of Sehwag triggered a collapse. VK Vineeth made 24, Arjun Rajput scored 16 and Yashbardhan Chauhan managed just nine. Anvay Dravid contributed 19 before being run out.
With the match slipping away, Manal and Mohit produced a sensational late recovery. Their partnership ultimately proved decisive, as Mohit’s last-ball boundary sealed India’s one-wicket triumph and the U19 Asia Cup crown.
India U19 squad: Lakshya Raichandani [C], Aaryavir Sehwag, V.K. Vineeth, Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan [VC], Kushagra Ojha, Arjun Rajput, Manal Chauhan, Anvay Dravid [WK], Rajat Baghel [WK], V. Yashveer, Aryan Savsani, Mohit Ulva, Kavya Patel, Shavin Vinod, Ishan Sood
Pakistan U19 Squad: Usman Khan, Hayam Khan, Abdul Qadir, Farhan Yousaf (captain), Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza, Hamza Zahoor (wicketkeeper), Hasnain Abbas Dar, Mohammad Sayyam, Rizwanullah, Niqab Shafiq, Jahangir Bilal, Huzaifa Ahsan, Mohammad Huzaifa, Abdul Subhan.
Brief scores
Pakistan U19: 337/9 (Usman Khan 107, Abdul Qadir 80, Farhan Yousaf 60; Kavya Patel 4/68, C Venkata 3/40) lost to India U19: 339/9 in 50 overs (Lakshya Raichandani 80, Aaryavir Sehwag 58, Manal Chauhan 47, Mohit Ulva 49 not out; Rizwanullah 3/53) by 1 wicket.
(Manas Dasgupta)