Pakistan U19 Sets Impressive Total in Asia Cup Final Against India
Pakistan U19 Dominates with Batting Prowess
Photo: @3rdManView/X
Muscat, Nov 14: In a thrilling U19 Asia Cup final at Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Pakistan U19 posted a formidable score of 337/9 against India U19, thanks to stellar performances from Usman Khan, who scored 107, Abdul Qadir with 80, and captain Farhan Yousaf contributing 63 runs.
As the defending champions, Pakistan showcased their batting strength, reminiscent of their previous year's final where they scored 347/8. Despite a strong start, Indian bowlers made a commendable effort in the death overs to restrict Pakistan from surpassing 350 runs.
Missing their top wicket-taker Ishan Sood due to injury, India U19 utilized eight bowlers, with captain Lakshya Raichandani managing a busy day on the field. Kavya Patel and Chigurupati Venkata were the standout bowlers for India, claiming four and three wickets respectively, helping to rein in Pakistan's scoring.
Usman Khan's remarkable innings marked his second century of the tournament, scoring 107 off 111 balls, including 11 fours and three sixes. Abdul Qadir's impactful 80 runs came from just 54 balls, while Farhan Yousaf's steady 63 runs from 60 balls helped solidify the innings.
The opening partnership between Usman and Hayam Khan set the tone with a 62-run stand. Pakistan reached 93/1 during the powerplay, but India struck back when Kavya Patel dismissed Hayam in the ninth over.
Following this, Usman and Abdul unleashed a barrage of runs, with Abdul scoring 26 runs in his first eight balls. He particularly targeted India's lead spinner, Manal Chauhan, who conceded 40 runs in three overs.
Usman reached his fifty in the 15th over, prompting India to adjust their bowling strategy by introducing Yashbardhan Chauhan, Arjun Rajput, and VK Vineeth. Pakistan maintained their aggressive approach, with Abdul hitting multiple sixes off Manal and Yashbardhan.
Arjun Rajput eventually broke the 135-run partnership by dismissing Abdul, who was caught at backward point. Usman continued to build on his innings, reaching his century in the 35th over.
Despite a brief lull in scoring, Pakistan managed to accelerate towards the end, but Kavya Patel's bowling proved crucial as he took the prized wicket of Usman in the 37th over. Farhan Yousaf also reached his fifty, but India made a strong comeback in the final overs.
Chigurupati Venkata's two wickets in the 45th over marked the beginning of India's resurgence, as he dismissed Ahmed Hussain and Farhan Yousaf in quick succession. Kavya Patel wrapped up the innings effectively, conceding only seven runs in the final over.
Pakistan's inability to capitalize in the death overs was evident as they scored only 63 runs in the last 10 overs while losing six wickets, finishing at 337/9.
Brief Scores: Pakistan U19 337/9 in 50 overs (Usman Khan 107, Abdul Qadir 80; Kavya Patel 4-68, Chigurupati Venkata 3-40) against India U19.