At the 2024 Under-19 Asia Cup, India suffered a 43-run defeat against Pakistan while chasing 281 set largely thanks to a record-breaking hundred from opener Shahzaib Khan.
After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bat first. The decision paid off as openers Shahzaib and Usman Khan stitched a 160-run partnership to give Pakistan a solid platform to cash in. Shahzaib went on to score a record ton, while Usman contributed with a watchful 60 off 94 deliveries.
Shahzaib’s 147-ball 159 is the highest score for a Pakistan batter in Under-19 ODIs. He surpassed Shamyl Hussain’s 150 against Sri Lanka in Karachi last year. That is also the highest score against the India Under-19 side in the white-ball format. The previous best was Sami Aslam’s 134 in Kuala Lumpur in 2012.
Shahzaib’s mammoth knock was studded with 10 sixes and five fours. After a cautious start, he reached his fifty off 67 balls before bringing up his century in the next 40 deliveries. His marathon innings finally came to an end in the final over as he attempted an aerial shot against Samarth Nagaraj before being caught by Hardik Raj. Pakistan posted 281-7 on the board.
Match Match 3, India Under-19 vs Pakistan Under-19
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In response, India lost half of their side for 134 runs in the 31st over. Nitish Kumar, at No.5, was looking good for his 67 before being stumped out by captain Saad Baig off Naveed Ahmed Khan’s bowling.
The chasing side lost their ninth wicket for 190. However, a spirited Mohammed Enaan scored a 22-ball 30 to give India an outside chance before they were finally bowled out for 238. Ali Raza (3-36) was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers.
India and Pakistan will both take the field again on December 2. India will play Japan U19, while Pakistan will face up against the UAE U19 in their respective second group games.
Image credit: ACCMedia1/X
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