India U19 win record 9th Asia Cup title with one-wicket thriller over Pakistan
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
India U19 clinched the Asia Cup title for a record-extending ninth time on 14 November 2026, defeating Pakistan by one wicket in a last-ball thriller at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 2) in Muscat. Chasing 338, India finished at 339/9 in 50 overs, with Mohit Ulva striking a boundary off Ahmed Hussain on the final delivery to seal an unforgettable victory.
How the Chase Unfolded
Captain Lakshya Raichandani anchored the innings with a composed 80 off 101 balls, including five fours, sharing a 90-run opening stand with Aaryavir Sehwag, who contributed 58 off 61 deliveries. After Sehwag fell, Raichandani built a further 56-run partnership with Anvay Dravid before Pakistan struck twice in the 37th over, removing both to leave India reeling at 254/8 — just two wickets from defeat.
Manal Chauhan and Ulva then produced a crucial 57-run ninth-wicket stand to revive the chase. Chauhan blazed 47 off 32 balls, while Ulva remained unbeaten on 49. With eight runs needed off the final over, Ulva and Chigurupati Venkata kept their nerve, reducing the equation to three off the last ball before Ulva launched his winning boundary.
What Raichandani Said
Speaking after the win, Raichandani described the match as a test of collective belief. 'It was a rollercoaster ride. We had the belief that we would be able to chase it down as the wicket was very good for batting. I always believed in the batting strength of our lower order. We were playing with almost 11 batters,' the captain said. He also thanked supporters: 'I thank the fans for their support and request them to keep supporting us.'
Pakistan's Strong Total and India's Bowling Response
Pakistan posted 337/9 in their 50 overs, powered by Usman Khan's impressive 107, Abdul Qadir's 80, and captain Farhan Yousaf's 63. India's bowling was led by Kavya Patel, who claimed four wickets, while Chigurupati Venkata added three more to keep Pakistan's total within range.
India's Record U19 Asia Cup Dominance
This victory cements India's unrivalled dominance at the U19 Asia Cup, taking their tally to nine titles — more than any other nation. This comes amid a broader pattern of Indian age-group cricket producing world-class talent, with several U19 graduates going on to represent the senior side. Notably, the involvement of players such as Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid — sons of Indian cricket legends — adds a generational dimension to this triumph. The win sets the stage for India's U19 contingent heading into future ICC events with renewed confidence.