Muscat (Oman), Nov 8: Pakistan registered a thrilling three-wicket victory over India in the ACC Men's Under-19 Asia Cup 2026 group-stage encounter at the AI Amerat Cricket Ground on Sunday, riding on a brilliant unbeaten century by wicketkeeper-batter Hama Zahoor.

Zahoor scored 100 not out off 108 deliveries, displaying remarkable composure to guide Pakistan to a successful chase of 209 after the side had slumped to 61/5 in the first 15 overs. Hasnain Dar provided crucial support with a knock of 38 as the duo stitched together a match-defining 107-run partnership to revive Pakistan's innings and turn the contest around.

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Pakistan eventually reached 209/7 in 48.1 overs, sealing a memorable three-wicket victory with 11 balls to spare. Earlier, India, after winning the toss and electing to bat, were bowled out for 208 in 46.3 overs.

Pakistan's bowling attack made an early impact, reducing India to 86/5 in 22.5 overs. Indian captain Lakshya Raichandani (0), Aaryavir Sehwag (22), VK Vineeth (8), Yashbardhan Chauhan (1) and Anvay Dravid (10) failed to convert their starts into substantial contributions.

However, Arjun Rajput produced a remarkable counter-attacking innings to rescue India from a difficult position. He smashed 107 off just 85 deliveries, including 11 fours and five sixes, to hold the innings together and take India past the 200-run mark.

Rajput's century gave India's bowlers a competitive total to defend despite the team's difficult start.

For Pakistan, pacers Ali Raza and Rizwanullah, along with spinner Niqab Shafiq, were the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets apiece to restrict India to 208.

India began their defence on a promising note, with their bowlers putting Pakistan under immense pressure and reducing them to 61/5. However, Zahoor and Dar weathered the storm with their crucial partnership before Zahoor took Pakistan across the finish line.

With this victory, Pakistan moved to the top of the Group A points table in the ACC Men's Under-19 Asia Cup 2026, having earlier defeated the UAE by nine wickets.

India, meanwhile, occupy second place in the group standings, having registered one win and one defeat. They had begun their campaign with a convincing 10-wicket victory over Nepal before suffering Sunday's defeat against Pakistan. (With ANI inputs)