India Pakistan U-19 Asia Cup Clash: India Thrashes Pakistan
DUBAI — India Pakistan U-19 | India’s Under-19 side produced a clinical all-round performance to thump Pakistan by 90 runs in a high-profile Group A encounter of the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament favourites and tightening their grip on the group standings.
The latest chapter of the storied India–Pakistan rivalry, played at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai, drew intense attention but unfolded as a largely one-sided affair, with India dominating both with the bat and the ball in a rain-adjusted contest.
Rain-Affected Match Sets the Context
Intermittent rain before the start forced officials to reduce the match to 49 overs per side, placing a premium on adaptability and game awareness. Pakistan won the toss and opted to field, a decision that initially appeared sound on a surface offering early movement.
However, India’s top and middle order adjusted swiftly, including rotating the strike effectively and avoiding reckless shot-making, to steadily build a competitive total.
India’s Batting Depth on Display
India posted 240 all out in 46.1 overs, a total that proved well above par under the prevailing conditions. The innings was anchored by Aaron George, who top-scored with a composed 85 runs, blending patience with calculated aggression to stabilise the innings after early wickets.
Captain Ayush Mhatre set the tempo during the powerplay with a confident 38, while Kanishk Chouhan’s 46 added vital runs in the middle overs, ensuring India did not lose momentum during the transition phase. Contributions from the lower middle order further frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers, who struggled to maintain sustained pressure despite occasional breakthroughs.
Pakistan’s bowling effort was led by Mohammad Sayyam and Abdul Subhan, who claimed three wickets apiece, while Niqab Shafiq provided support with two dismissals. Yet, lapses in fielding and an inability to close out partnerships allowed India to push past the 230 mark.
Pakistan’s Chase Falters Early
Chasing 241, Pakistan never truly settled. Early wickets exposed a fragile middle order, and the required run rate steadily climbed. While Huzaifa Ahsan fought a lone battle with a resilient 70, the absence of meaningful partnerships proved decisive.
India’s bowlers maintained disciplined lines and lengths, refusing to release pressure. Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chouhan picked up three wickets each, exploiting both seam movement and inconsistent footwork from Pakistan’s batters. Kishan Kumar Singh closed out the innings, as Pakistan were bowled out for 150 in 41.2 overs.
Group A Implications and Standings
The emphatic win places India firmly at or near the top of Group A, significantly improving their net run rate and strengthening their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals. In a short tournament format, such dominant victories often prove decisive in tie-breaker scenarios.
For Pakistan, the loss complicates their path forward, increasing pressure in remaining group fixtures and exposing concerns over batting depth and adaptability under pressure.
A Rivalry with Asymmetry at U-19 Level
While India–Pakistan clashes are traditionally closely contested, results at the Under-19 level in recent years have increasingly tilted in India’s favour, reflecting stronger domestic structures, broader talent pipelines, and sustained investment in youth cricket.
India’s current U-19 side appears well balanced, combining technically sound batters with bowlers capable of executing plans under tournament pressure. Pakistan, by contrast, showed flashes of individual brilliance but lacked cohesion, particularly during key phases of the match.
Tournament Outlook Going Forward
As the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup progresses, India’s performance against Pakistan sends a clear signal to other contenders. Their ability to control games across disciplines positions them as serious title challengers.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will need rapid regrouping, sharper execution, and stronger middle-order resilience if they are to remain competitive in the tournament.
The rivalry endures, but on this occasion in Dubai, the gulf in execution and composure was unmistakable.
