Hamza's century overshadows Arjun's 107 as Pakistan pull off 3-wicket win vs India

Pakistan Under-19 pulled off a memorable three-wicket victory over arch-rivals India in the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2026, with captain Hamza Zahoor producing a composed century to guide his side home in a tense chase at Al Amerat, Oman, on Sunday. Chasing 209, Pakistan found themselves in deep trouble at 63/5, with India's bowlers threatening to take the game away. However, Zahoor held his nerve and led a remarkable recovery, stitching together a crucial 107-run partnership with Hasnain Abbas Dar to turn the contest around. Dar contributed 38 off 67 balls before departing at 168/6, giving India another opening. But Zahoor continued to anchor the chase, eventually taking Pakistan across the finish line with three wickets to spare. The result handed Pakistan an important Group A victory over their traditional rivals and strengthened their position in the race for a place in the semi-finals.

Earlier, India endured a disastrous start after captain Lakshya Raichandani was dismissed for a duck in the first over. Pakistan's pace attack kept the pressure on, reducing India to 42/4 and then 86/5. With the top order back in the pavilion, Arjun Rajput took responsibility and launched a counter-attack. The left-hander smashed 107 off 85 deliveries, striking 11 fours and five sixes, to give India a fighting total. Rajput found useful support from Anvay Dravid (10) and Manal Chauhan (11), but his dismissal at 170/7 in the 36th over triggered another collapse. India lost their remaining wickets for 38 runs and were bowled out for 208 in 46.3 overs. Kavya Patel's 23 provided a late contribution, helping India cross the 200-run mark.

Pakistan's bowling unit played a major role in restricting India to 208. Ali Raza led the attack with three wickets, while Rizwanullah and Niqab Shafiq also claimed three wickets apiece. The early strikes from Raza and the pressure maintained by Mohammad Sayyam put India on the back foot, before the spinners tightened their grip in the middle overs.

India did not make Pakistan's chase easy. Manal Chauhan picked up two wickets, while Kavya Patel and Mohit Ulva also struck as Pakistan slipped to 61/5. But Zahoor's partnership with Dar changed the course of the match. Even after Dar's dismissal, the Pakistan captain remained in control and completed the job, sealing a three-wicket win for his side.