U19 Asia Cup: Pakistan thrash arch-rivals India to win first game by 43 runs

DUBAI: Pakistan inflicted 43-run defeat on arch-rivals India in their first game of the U19 Asia Cup on Saturday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

The victory comes as Pakistan and India are in a turmoil over the Champions Trophy 2025 as the Green Shirts are supposed to host the tournament while their neighbouring country refuses to visit them for the mega event. 

Pakistan, a cricketing country known for their powerful bowling attack, proved themselves again against India as they dismantled the side while they were chasing a target of 282 runs. 

Leading the attack from the front was bowler Ali Raza, who has been getting noticed for his recent performances, as he bagged three wickets while Abdul Subhan and Faham-ul-Haq grabbed two wickets each.

The crucial wicket of Nikhil Kumar was taken by Naveed Ahmed Khan, after he became the highest run-scorer for his side in today's match.

He scored 67 runs and hit six fours and three sixes.

Pakistan's opener Usman Khan who scored 60 runs in the first innings, also dismissed India's Mohammad Aman.

India was bundled out on 238 runs in the 48th over as Pakistan registered a victory over their arch-rivals. 

Earlier, Pakistan had invited India to field first and put up a total of 281 runs at the loss of seven wickets.

The opening duo comprising of Usman and Shahzaib Khan smashed a 160-run partnership as Shahzaib went on to hit 159 runs off 147 balls.

His innings included five boundaries and 10 maximums. With his 10 sixes, Shahzaib also managed to break the record of most sixes in U19 ODIs.

The team soon faced a batting collapse and only Mohammad Riaz scored in double figures after the dismissals of the opening pair.

India's Samarth Nagaraj bagged three Pakistani batters.