India Under-19s thrash Pakistan by 90 runs in Asia Cup clash

India Under-19s produced a dominant all-round performance to register a comprehensive 90-run victory over Pakistan Under-19s in a rain-reduced Under-19s Asia Cup match, with Aaron George and Deepesh Devendran emerging as the standout performers.

Batting first after Pakistan won the toss and elected to field, India were bowled out for 240 in 49 overs. The innings was anchored by Aaron George, who struck a composed 85 off 88 balls, laced with 12 fours and a six. India made a fluent start, racing to 73 for 1 inside nine overs, but lost momentum after captain Ayush Mhatre was dismissed for a brisk 38 off 25 deliveries.

A middle-order wobble followed, with India slipping to 113 for 4 after losing three wickets in a ten-over span. George then found support from Abhigyan Kundu, and the pair added the highest partnership of the match with a 60-run stand to stabilise the innings. Pakistan clawed back through Abdul Subhan, who removed Kundu for 22 and George in quick succession to leave India at 174 for 6.

India, however, finished strongly thanks to a crucial knock from Kanishk Chouhan. Batting at No. 7, Chouhan struck a run-a-ball 46, hitting two fours and three sixes to propel India to a competitive total of 240. Subhan and Sayyam were the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, taking three wickets each.

In reply, Pakistan’s chase unravelled early as Deepesh Devendran ripped through the top order. His incisive spell reduced Pakistan to 30 for 4 inside 14 overs, effectively ending the contest. A brief recovery came through a 47-run partnership between captain Farhan Yousaf and Huzaifa Ahsan, but Chouhan broke the stand by dismissing Yousaf.

Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 150, with only three batters reaching double figures. Huzaifa Ahsan top-scored with a fighting 70 off 83 balls, but he lacked support as wickets fell at regular intervals. Devendran finished with excellent figures of 3 for 16, while Chouhan claimed 3 for 33 to complete a fine all-round performance and earn the Player-of-the-Match award.

As in recent senior-level encounters between the two nations, players from both teams adhered to the no-handshake policy at the conclusion of the match.

The emphatic win further underlined India Under-19s’ strength in the tournament and reinforced their status as one of the leading contenders for the Asia Cup title.