India chase Pakistan 338 in Under-19 Asia Cup final

Pakistan build large total early

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first on a fresh pitch. Usman Khan and Abdul Qadir, the openers, launched an aggressive partnership of 62 runs prior to Hayam Khan leaving with a score of 21. The team reached 93 for one wicket during the powerplay thanks to aggressive batting from the openers. Captain Farhan Yousaf later added 18 runs off just 21 deliveries while Usman scored a century of 97 off 101 balls.

India struggle before death overs

Indian openers managed only 50 runs in the ninth over without losing a wicket. Pakistan batters continued to rotate strike effectively even after the powerplay ended. Abdul Qadir smashed eight sixes and three fours during his innings which lasted until the 27th over. In pursuit of swing with the new ball, the Indian quick bowlers delivered pitches that were excessively full.

Chigurupati Venkata leads comeback

India restricted Pakistan to 337 for nine wickets by the end of the match. Replacement batter Chigurupati Venkata took three wickets in his spell while Kavya Paresh Patel claimed four. The pitch began gripping in the death overs allowing India to limit the run rate. The team from Pakistan failed to muster sufficient speed with the bat to reach four corners as readily as when facing the fresh ball.