India delivered a commanding performance to secure a comprehensive 90-run victory over Pakistan in their Group A encounter of the Under-19 Asia Cup on Sunday, December 14. A solid batting display followed
by relentless bowling ensured India stayed in control from start to finish in one of the tournament's most anticipated fixtures.
Asked to bat first, India put together a competitive total of 240 before being dismissed in the 47th over. Captain Ayush Mhatre provided early momentum with an aggressive cameo, striking boundaries and sixes to put pressure on the Pakistan bowlers.
However, Pakistan struck back swiftly as Mohammad Sayyam removed both Indian openers within the first ten overs, preventing a runaway start.
The innings was then steadied by Aaron George, who played a composed knock of 85 to anchor India through the middle overs. He found gaps regularly and rotated the strike efficiently, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking. Valuable contributions from Kanishk Chouhan further strengthened India's position, with the all-rounder adding late impetus through a fluent 46 that included several big hits. Despite wickets falling at regular intervals, India managed to push their total beyond the 230 mark. For Pakistan, Sayyam and Abdul Subhan were the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets each.
In reply, Pakistan's chase never gained momentum. Deepesh Devendran set the tone with a fiery opening spell, removing three batters early to reduce Pakistan to 30 for four. The early collapse placed the chasing side firmly on the back foot.
Captain Farhan Yousaf and Huzaifa Ahsan attempted to rebuild, with Ahsan showing resistance through a well-made 70. However, a lack of support at the other end proved costly. Chouhan's off-spin applied further pressure, breaking key partnerships and tightening India's grip on the contest.
Chouhan ended with figures of 3 for 33, while Devendran's 3 for 16 highlighted India's bowling dominance as Pakistan were bowled out for 150 in 41.2 overs.
Notably, players from both teams refrained from shaking hands before and after the match, continuing the no-handshake protocol seen in recent India-Pakistan encounters.
