Islamabad, 8 November, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Pakistan secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over arch-rivals India in their Group A encounter of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman, with Hamza Zahoor producing a match-winning unbeaten century. Chasing a target of 209 runs, Pakistan reached the required total in 48.1 overs, losing seven wickets. Hamza remained unbeaten on 100 off 108 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and three sixes. Pakistan, however, faced early difficulties as India reduced them to 61 for five in 14.4 overs. Abdul Qadir contributed 20 runs, while captain Farhan Yousaf scored two and Usman Khan added 16. With Pakistan under pressure, Hamza Zahoor and Hasnain Abbas Dar rebuilt the innings through a crucial 107-run partnership that brought their team back into the contest. Dar played a supporting role, scoring a determined 38 off 67 balls, including two boundaries, while Hamza anchored the chase with an aggressive batting display. The partnership took Pakistan to 168 runs in 39 overs, putting them in a strong position to secure victory. Despite India’s late fightback, Hamza held his nerve and sealed the win by hitting a boundary off the first ball of the 49th over, completing his century in the process. For India, Manal Chauhan led the bowling effort, while Mohit Ulva claimed two wickets. Earlier, Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Ali Raza, restricted India to 208 runs in 46.3 overs after electing to field first. India’s innings revolved around Arjun Rajput, who scored an impressive 107 off 85 deliveries, including 11 fours and five sixes. Pakistan made an early breakthrough when Ali Raza dismissed Indian captain Lakshya Raichandani for a duck on the second ball of the match. India struggled to recover from the early setback and slipped to 42 for four. Arjun Rajput and Anvay Dravid attempted to stabilise the innings with a 44-run partnership before Dravid was dismissed for 16 at 86 in 22.5 overs. Rajput continued to fight, adding another 64 runs with Manal Chauhan and helping India cross the 150-run mark. However, Pakistan’s bowlers struck repeatedly in the closing stages to dismiss the Indian side for 208. For Pakistan, Rizwanullah, Ali Raza and Niqab Shafiq claimed three wickets each, while Mohammad Sayyam picked up one wicket. Hamza Zahoor’s outstanding century ultimately proved decisive, securing Pakistan a memorable victory over India in the continental youth tournament.