Source espncric info
DUBAI: India’s Under-19 team delivered a commanding all-round performance, spearheaded by the magnificent Kanishk Chouhan, to secure a convincing 90-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in their ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup Group A clash at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on Sunday.
Chouhan, the right-arm off-spinner and lower-order batsman, was the undisputed star, first shoring up the Indian innings with the bat before dismantling the Pakistani chase with his subtle variations.
Batting Efforts Set Competitive Target
After being put in to bat, the Indian colts posted a competitive total of 240 before being bowled out in 46.1 overs of the rain-curtailed fixture.
The innings was anchored by a composed and timely knock from middle-order batter Aaron George, who scored a fluent 85 (88 balls), stabilizing the innings after the early loss of the explosive opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
The momentum was then dramatically shifted by Kanishk Chouhan. Coming in during the latter half of the innings, Chouhan launched a crucial counter-attack, smashing a vital 46 off 46 balls, including three massive sixes, to ensure India crossed the 230-run mark comfortably. Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Mohammad Sayyam (3/67) and Abdul Subhan (3/42).
Chouhan and Devendran Apply the Squeeze
Defending 241, the Indian bowlers were relentless, with the new ball duo setting a tone of aggression that Pakistan’s young batsmen could never match.
Pacer Deepesh Devendran was lethal in his opening spell, tearing through the top order with three quick wickets to leave Pakistan reeling at 30 for four.
However, it was Chouhan’s introduction that sealed the victory. The off-spinner broke the brief resistance put up by captain Farhan Yousaf and lone fighter Huzaifa Ahsan, claiming his first scalp before returning to remove the top-scorer Ahsan. Chouhan’s decisive spell saw him finish with superb figures of 3 wickets for just 33 runs. Devendran was equally effective, registering a brilliant 3/16.
Pakistan’s chase never truly took off, despite Huzaifa Ahsan’s gritty 70 (83 balls), and they were eventually bundled out for 150 in 41.2 overs, handing India a comprehensive 90-run win.
The commanding victory strengthens India’s position in Group A and sends a strong statement about the team’s balance and bowling depth in the tournament.
Final Scorecard Summary:
India U19: 240 all out (46.1 overs)
Aaron George 85, Kanishk Chouhan 46; Abdul Subhan 3/42, M. Sayyam 3/67
Pakistan U19: 150 all out (41.2 overs)
Huzaifa Ahsan 70; Kanishk Chouhan 3/33, Deepesh Devendran 3/16
India U19 won by 90 runs.
