India pull off last-ball miracle to lift U19 Asia Cup

Muscat, Nov 14
Number 10 batter Mohit Ulva slammed a boundary on the last ball to power India past Pakistan by one wicket in the Under-19 Asia Cup final at the Oman Cricket Academy grounds in Al Amerat on Saturday.
Chasing a challenging target of 338, India scored 339 for 9 on the final ball to claim the Asia Cup title in a thrilling encounter.
Defending champions Pakistan, who had beaten India in the last year’s final, had posted an impressive 337 for 9 in their 50 overs, thanks to outstanding batting performances from Usman Khan (107), Abdul Qadir (80) and captain Farhan Yousaf (63).
India’s bowlers struggled initially, allowing Pakistan to score 93 runs in the powerplay. However, Kavya Paresh Patel, who took four wickets for 68 runs, and Chigurupati Venkata, who claimed three for 40, helped restrict Pakistan during the final overs. Pakistan managed only 63 runs in their last 10 overs, losing six wickets.
In reply, India’s chase began cautiously. Openers Lakshya Raichandani and Aaryavir Sehwag built a valuable 95-run partnership. Raichandani scored 80 off 101 balls, while Sehwag contributed 58 off 61 balls despite suffering an injury to his forearm.

However, Pakistan’s bowlers fought back strongly. Rizwanullah took three wickets for 53 runs, putting India under immense pressure. India slipped to 252 for 8 in the 42nd over, with the required rate climbing rapidly. Pakistan appeared certain to defend their title.
ULVA-CHAUHAN PAIR TURN IT AROUND
But the match took an extraordinary turn when Manal Chauhan and Mohit Ulva joined forces. The pair launched a remarkable counterattack, scoring 57 runs in just 5.5 overs. Chauhan made 47 off 32 balls before getting dismissed, leaving India needing 29 runs from the final 16 deliveries.
With the pressure mounting, Ulva and Venkata kept their composure. Venkata contributed an important 11 runs from just eight balls, supporting Ulva in the dramatic finish.
Pakistan needed eight runs to defend in the final over. Despite conceding five runs in the first five deliveries, including a wide, bowler Ahmed Hussain still had an opportunity to save the match. However, Ulva struck a powerful drive over long-off on the final delivery, securing an incredible one-wicket victory for India.
India’s lower-order batters turned what seemed like an almost certain defeat into a historic triumph, completing one of the most memorable finishes in Under-19 Asia Cup history.
BRIEF SCORES: India 339 for 9 (Raichandani 80, Sehwag 58, Rizwanullah 3-53) beat Pakistan 337 for 9 (Usman 107, Qadir 80, Yousaf 63, Kavya 4-68, Venkata 3-40) by one wicket