Hamza Zahoor produced a match-winning unbeaten century as Pakistan Under-19 defeated India by three wickets in a thrilling ACC Under-19 Asia Cup encounter in Oman on Sunday, securing a place in the tournament’s semi-finals.
Chasing a target of 209 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Pakistan reached the total with 11 balls remaining, thanks to Zahoor’s outstanding innings of 100 not out from 108 deliveries.
The wicketkeeper-batter struck 10 fours and three sixes, holding Pakistan’s innings together after a disastrous start threatened to derail the chase.
Pakistan slumped to 61 for five before Zahoor combined with Hasnain Abbas Dar to revive the innings through a crucial sixth-wicket partnership.
Dar contributed a valuable 38 from 67 balls, providing the stability Pakistan needed as Zahoor continued to accumulate runs and guide his side towards victory.
India’s Manal Chauhan claimed three wickets for 32 runs, while Mohit Ulva took two for 45, but their efforts were insufficient to prevent Pakistan from completing the chase.
Earlier, India were dismissed for 208 in 46.3 overs after Pakistan elected to bowl first.
Arjun Rajput was India’s standout performer, smashing 107 from just 85 deliveries, including 11 boundaries and five sixes.
Despite Rajput’s aggressive century, Pakistan’s bowlers maintained pressure by taking wickets regularly and preventing India from establishing substantial partnerships.
Ali Raza, Rizwanullah and Niqab Shafiq claimed three wickets each to restrict India to a manageable total.
Rizwanullah delivered an economical spell, conceding just 24 runs in seven overs, while Ali Raza finished with figures of 3-37 from his full allocation of 10 overs.
Zahoor’s unbeaten hundred ultimately proved the difference, helping defending champions Pakistan register their second consecutive victory in Group A and confirm qualification for the last four.
Pakistan will face Nepal in their remaining group-stage fixture before turning their attention to the semi-finals.