Zaroor’s Ton Stuns India as Pakistan Win U19 Asia Cup Thriller

Pakistan held their nerve in a Group A classic. Chasing 209 at Al Amerat on Sunday, November 8, the defending champions beat India by three wickets in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026. Hamza Zaroor’s century at number seven answered Arjun Rajput’s brilliant hundred.

Rajput Rescues India After a Top-Order Collapse

India’s top order struggled badly. Skipper Lakshya Raichandani, Aaryavir Sehwag (22), VK Vineeth and Yashbardhan Chauhan managed only 42 runs between them.

Then Arjun Rajput took charge. He struck 107 off 85 balls, with 11 boundaries and 5 sixes, and kept India in the contest almost single-handedly.

Key Partnerships

Rajput added 44 with wicketkeeper Anvay Dravid. He then put on 64 with Manal Chauhan, who made 10.

Those two stands were the most productive of the innings and gave India a fighting platform.

India Slip Away After Rajput’s Exit

Rajput fell in the 36th over with India on 170 for seven. The lower order could not accelerate after that.

Yashveer Goud and Mohit Ulva were both dismissed cheaply, leaving India on 195 for nine. Kavya Prasad Patel chipped in with 23 and Ishan Sood stayed unbeaten on 2. India were bowled out for 208 in 46.3 overs, leaving Pakistan a target of 209.

Pakistan’s Bowlers Set the Tone

Pakistan’s attack was disciplined throughout. Three bowlers took three wickets each, and Mohammad Sayam added another, so the pressure never let up.

Rizwanullah’s 3 for 24 was the most economical spell of the day. It was a complete bowling effort from a side led by Farhan Yousaf.

Zaroor Anchors a Tense Chase

The chase was never comfortable. Hamza Zaroor stayed calm at number seven and anchored the innings with 100 off 108 balls. He saw Pakistan home with three wickets in hand.

The contrast with Rajput’s attacking hundred was clear. Rajput scored quickly, while Zaroor built his innings patiently and finished the job.

Match Snapshot

What It Means for Group A

India had beaten Nepal in their opening game. This is their first defeat of the tournament. Pakistan had earlier beaten the UAE.

India now face the UAE next and will need to win their remaining group games to stay in a strong position. Group A also includes Nepal.

The result adds to a growing rivalry at this level. Pakistan have now beaten India in consecutive editions, having also won the 2025 U19 Asia Cup final by 191 runs.

This time the margin was far tighter, and the contest went down to the wire. Rajput’s innings showed India’s fight, but Zaroor’s calm finish decided the day.