Hamza Zahoor’s unbeaten century lifts Pakistan U-19 past India

Pakistan Under-19 defeated India Under-19 by three wickets in a Group A match of the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup in Oman, with wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor producing an unbeaten century in a tense chase.

Pakistan reached the 209-run target in 48.1 overs, finishing on 209 for seven with 11 balls remaining. Zahoor remained unbeaten on 100 from 108 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and three sixes, and was named player of the match.

The chase began poorly for Pakistan, which slipped to 61 for five inside 15 overs. Zahoor then shared a sixth-wicket partnership of 107 runs with Hasnain Abbas Dar, who made 38, to restore Pakistan’s position.

India had been dismissed for 208 in 46.3 overs after choosing to bat. Arjun Rajput scored 107 from 85 balls, including 11 fours and five sixes, but Pakistan’s bowlers restricted the rest of the innings.

Ali Raza took three wickets for 37, Rizwanullah returned three for 24, and Niqab Shafiq claimed three for 42. Mohammad Sayyam also took one wicket as Pakistan dismissed India before the completion of the 47th over.

The victory was Pakistan’s second successive win in the tournament after its nine-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates on November 6. Pakistan are the defending champions, having beaten India in last year’s final.