Dubai, Dec 12 (NationPress) Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered an explosive performance, scoring 171 runs off just 95 balls, leading India U19 to an impressive 234-run victory against UAE U19 in their Asia Cup debut at the ICC Academy on Friday.

In addition to Suryavanshi’s phenomenal innings, Aaron George (69) and Vihaan Malhotra (69) added significant contributions with their half-centuries. Players like Vedant Trivedi (38), Abhigyan Kundu (32), and Kanishk Chouhan (28) helped secure India U19's remarkable total of 433/6, marking the highest score in the tournament's history.

This score is also India’s record in U19 ODIs and ranks as the third-highest in the history of men’s U19 one-day cricket. Suryavanshi's innings included nine fours and 14 sixes, achieving a strike rate of 180. He reached his half-century in a mere 30 balls, his century in just 56 deliveries, and completed his 150 in 84 balls.

His 14 sixes set a new tournament record, surpassing Afghanistan’s Darwish Rasooli, who hit 10 against UAE in 2017. In response, UAE managed to score 199/7 in their 50 overs, with Uddish Suri scoring an unbeaten 78 and Prithvi Madhu contributing a half-century as the only noteworthy resistance. Next, India U19 will face Pakistan U19 in their group stage match on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Pakistan U19 commenced their campaign with a staggering 297-run victory over Malaysia at The Sevens Stadium. Centuries from Ahmed Hussain and debutant Sameer Minhas propelled the team to 345/3 before the bowlers dismissed Malaysia for just 48 runs in 19.4 overs.

Minhas shone brightly with an unbeaten 177 runs off 148 balls, smashing 11 fours and 8 sixes, earning him the Player of the Match accolade. He formed a colossal 293-run partnership with Hussain, who scored 132 off 114 deliveries, showcasing Pakistan’s early dominance.

Malaysia struggled to recover from early setbacks during the chase, as Ali Raza made a significant impact with the new ball, ending with figures of 3-11. Mohammad Sayyam also took three wickets, while Daniyal Ali Khan and Niqab Shafiq contributed to a resounding victory for Pakistan U19.

Brief Scores: India U19 433/6 in 50 overs (Vaibhav Suryavanshi 171, Vihaan Malhotra 69; Yug Sharma 2-75, Uddish Suri 2-77) defeated UAE U19 199/7 in 50 overs (Uddish Suri 78 not out, Prithvi Madhu 50; Deepesh Devendran 2/21, Henil Patel 1/31) by 234 runs.

Pakistan 345/3 in 50 overs (Sameer Minhas 177 not out, Ahmed Hussain 132; Nagineswaran Sathnakumaran 2-91) defeated Malaysia 48 all out in 19.4 overs (Deaaz Patro 9; Ali Raza 3-11, Mohammad Sayyam 3-27) by 297 runs.