Hamza Zahoor’s Unbeaten Century Leads Pakistan to Three-Wicket Win Over India in U19 Asia Cup Thriller

Pakistan recover from 61 for five to chase 209 in Muscat; Arjun Rajput’s century for India goes in vain
MUSCAT (Nazrana Times Sports Desk):Wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor struck an unbeaten century as Pakistan recovered from a precarious position to defeat India by three wickets in a thrilling Under-19 Asia Cup encounter at Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat.

Chasing 209, Pakistan slipped to 61 for five before Hamza anchored a remarkable recovery. His crucial sixth-wicket partnership with Hasnain Abbas Dar helped Pakistan regain control, with the winning target reached in 48.1 overs.

The victory was Pakistan’s second of the tournament, continuing their winning run and strengthening their position in Group A.

 India lose early wickets after choosing to bat

India won the toss and elected to bat, but their innings suffered an immediate setback when Pakistan fast bowler Ali Raza dismissed captain Lakshya Raichandani for a duck on the second delivery of the match.

Ali Raza and Rizwanullah maintained the pressure, preventing India’s top order from settling. India were reduced to 22 for three after 11.4 overs, leaving the remaining batters with the task of rebuilding the innings.

Pakistan’s early breakthroughs proved important, although a counterattacking century from Arjun Rajput ensured India posted a competitive total.

 Arjun Rajput’s century lifts India to 208

Rajput held India’s innings together with an aggressive 107 from just 85 deliveries. His knock included 11 fours and five sixes, providing much-needed momentum after the early collapse.

Combining responsibility with attacking stroke play, Rajput gave India a route back into the contest. However, Pakistan continued taking wickets and prevented India from completing their allotted 50 overs.

India were eventually bowled out for 208 in 46.3 overs, setting Pakistan a target of 209.

Ali Raza, Rizwanullah and Naqab Shafiq shared the bulk of the wickets, claiming three apiece. Muhammad Siyam took the remaining wicket to complete a collective bowling effort.

 Pakistan’s chase falters at 61 for five

Pakistan’s pursuit began with difficulties of its own as India’s bowlers made early inroads.

With five wickets down for only 61 runs, Pakistan faced a demanding recovery. India had placed themselves in a strong position, while Pakistan needed a substantial partnership to keep the chase alive.

Hamza Zahoor provided the resistance Pakistan required, building his innings carefully while keeping the target within reach.

Hamza and Hasnain turn the contest

Hamza joined forces with Hasnain Abbas Dar to add 107 runs for the sixth wicket, a partnership that changed the direction of the match.

Hasnain contributed a valuable 38 from 67 deliveries, helping Pakistan move away from the immediate danger of defeat. His support allowed Hamza to construct the decisive innings of the chase.

Indian bowler Manal Chauhan eventually dismissed Hasnain to break the partnership and renew India’s hopes. Pakistan still had work to do, but Hamza remained at the crease and continued guiding the pursuit.

 Unbeaten hundred seals Pakistan’s victory

Hamza finished unbeaten on 100 from 108 deliveries, striking 10 fours and three sixes.
His innings carried Pakistan through the closing stages as they reached the target with seven wickets down in 48.1 overs, securing victory with 11 deliveries remaining.

Manal Chauhan took three wickets for India, but his efforts could not prevent Pakistan from completing the comeback.

The contest produced centuries from both sides, with Rajput’s attacking hundred rescuing India’s innings and Hamza’s unbeaten effort ultimately deciding the result. Pakistan’s recovery from 61 for five, built around the sixth-wicket partnership, proved the defining passage of the match.
 

Match summary India 208 all out in 46.3 overs; Pakistan reached the 209-run target in 48.1 overs for the loss of seven wickets. **Pakistan won by three wickets.**