Sports
India Wins Under‑19 Asia Cup Final but Faces Backlash for Post‑Match Conduct
India defeated Pakistan by one wicket in a dramatic 50‑over final of the Under‑19 Asia Cup held at the Oman Academy Cricket Ground in Al Amerat, Muscat. With a target of 338, India were 252‑8 in the 42nd over but recovered thanks to a 57‑run ninth‑wicket partnership between Manal Chauhan and Mohit Ulva. Chauhan scored 47 off 32 balls and Ulva finished unbeaten on 49, hitting the winning boundary on the final ball. The victory gave India its record‑extending ninth Under‑19 Asia Cup title and its first since 2021.
After the match, Indian players displayed aggressive behaviour toward Pakistani teammates. One player was seen yelling and gesticulating at Pakistan wicketkeeper Hamza Zahoor, who did not respond. Other players kicked their legs toward the Pakistan dressing room while the Indian team management attempted to restrain them. The incident was condemned by former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf and by Indian fans on social media, who called the conduct uncouth and unprofessional.
Both teams skipped the customary post‑match handshake, a practice that has become common in India‑Pakistan cricket encounters amid political tensions. The India women’s team had previously refused to accept a trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister.
Pakistan’s innings began with Usman Khan scoring 107 off 111 balls, followed by Abdul Qadir’s 80 and captain Farhan Yousaf’s 63. India’s chase was anchored by captain Lakshya Raichandani’s 80 off 101 balls and Aaryavir Sehwag’s 58 off 61 deliveries. Sehwag was named player of the tournament and finished as the leading run‑scorer with 361 runs in five innings. The Indian lineup also featured wicketkeeper Anvay Dravid, who scored 19 runs.