Hamza Zahoor produced a match-winning unbeaten century as Pakistan Under-19 defeated arch-rivals India by three wickets in a thrilling Group ‘A’ encounter of the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat on Sunday.
Chasing 209, Pakistan reached the target in 48.1 overs, finishing on 211 for seven, with Hamza holding his nerve under pressure to steer his side home.
The wicket-keeper-batter remained unbeaten on 100 off 108 balls, striking 10 fours and three sixes, and was named Player of the Match.
Pakistan’s chase, however, was far from straightforward as India’s bowlers made early inroads to reduce them to 61 for five. Hamza then joined Hasnain Abbas Dar, who contributed 38, to revive the innings with a crucial partnership.
With wickets falling at the other end, Hamza showed remarkable composure, combining caution with timely aggression to keep Pakistan on course. He eventually guided the lower order across the finish line with 11 balls to spare, completing a memorable century in the process.
Earlier, India, after electing to bat, were bowled out for 208 in 46.3 overs. Their innings got off to a disastrous start when captain and opener Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani was dismissed for a duck off the second ball.
India slipped further to 22 for three, leaving their middle order under considerable pressure.
Arjun Rajput then mounted a spirited recovery with an outstanding 107 off 85 deliveries, hitting 11 fours and five sixes.
However, the right-hander received little support from the other end as Pakistan’s bowlers maintained pressure and regularly picked up wickets to restrict India to a modest total.
Ali Raza, Rizwanullah and Niqab Shafiq shared the spoils with three wickets apiece, while Mohammad Sayyam claimed one.
The victory takes Pakistan to the top of Group ‘A’ with four points from two matches, having registered back-to-back wins.
India, meanwhile, have two points from as many games, with one victory and one defeat.
Both teams have one group fixture remaining, with the top two sides advancing to the semi-finals.
Source: www.dawn.com
