DUBAI: The Indian U-19 colts delivered a dominant performance in the ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan U-19 by a commanding 90-run margin in a Group A encounter in Dubai on Sunday. The victory solidifies India’s campaign and secures their spot in the semi-finals of the tournament.
Batting: George and Chouhan Anchor the Innings
After being asked to bat first in a rain-delayed match (curtailed to 49 overs per side), India set a target of 241 runs, getting bowled out for 240 in $46.1$ overs.
- Aaron George was the top scorer, playing a composed innings of 85 runs.
- The late-order surge was provided by the versatile Kanishk Chouhan, who smashed a quickfire 46 off $46$ balls to push India’s total to a competitive score.
- Captain Ayush Mhatre contributed a brisk $38$ off $25$ balls, but the team’s record-breaking opener, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, fell cheaply for 5.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was disciplined, with Mohammad Sayyam and Abdul Subhan both picking up $3$ wickets each.
Bowling: A Collective Showcase of Dominance
Defending what was considered an average total, the Indian bowlers put on a spectacular showcase to dismantle the Pakistani batting line-up, dismissing them for just 150 in $41.2$ overs.
- Deepesh Devendran was instrumental in triggering the early collapse, running through the top order to claim 3 wickets.
- Kanishk Chouhan completed a brilliant all-round outing, returning to take another 3 wickets for 33 runs with the ball, including the prized scalp of Pakistan’s lone warrior.
- Pakistan’s middle-order batsman Huzaifa Ahsan was the only one to show resistance, scoring a fighting 70 runs before being dismissed by Chouhan.
- Even the 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi made his presence felt, chipping in with a crucial wicket—that of Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf.
India’s victory not only hands them bragging rights but also displaces Pakistan from the top of the group table.