'Outstanding day for Indian cricket': PM Modi congratulates U-19 team on Asia Cup win

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated the Indian Under-19 cricket team after its thrilling one-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final, saying the youngsters' success would inspire several others. Taking to X, Modi expressed pride in the team's achievement and praised its impressive performance in the tournament. "Outstanding day for Indian cricket! Immensely proud of our young cricketers for today’s impressive performance and for winning the Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2026. Their success will inspire several youngsters.

Best wishes to the team for their endeavours ahead," Modi posted. India produced a remarkable fightback to chase down Pakistan's imposing target of 338, finishing at 339 for nine to clinch the title off the final ball. The defending champions had looked firmly in control after reducing India to 252 for eight in the 42nd over. However, Manal Chauhan and Mohit Ulva turned the match around with a crucial 57-run partnership for the ninth wicket. Manal scored 47 off 32 balls before departing at 302, leaving India needing another 36 runs with just one wicket remaining. Ulva, who remained unbeaten on 49 off 26 deliveries, then combined with C Venkata (11 not out off eight balls) to keep India's hopes alive.

With three runs required off the final delivery, Ulva smashed Pakistan leg-spinner Ahmed Hussain for a boundary to seal a memorable victory. Earlier, Pakistan posted 337 for nine, powered by Usman Khan's 107 and Abdul Qadir's 80. Captain Farhan Yousaf also contributed 60, while India's Kavya Patel picked up four wickets for 68 runs and Venkata claimed three for 40. For India, captain Lakshya Raichandani led the early fight with an 80, while Aaryavir Sehwag scored 58 as the pair added 95 runs for the opening wicket before Pakistan fought back. The dramatic victory helped India regain the Under-19 Asia Cup after a nerve-racking final against their arch-rivals.