India produced a thrilling performance to defeat Pakistan by one wicket in the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2026 final at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground on Saturday, November 14. In a high-scoring contest, the Indian team successfully chased down a challenging target of 338 runs, with Mohit Ulva delivering a match-winning performance under immense pressure.
India needed eight runs in the final over, while Pakistan required just one more wicket to secure the championship. The match went down to the final delivery, with India needing three runs to win. Mohit Ulva smashed a boundary off the last ball to complete an unforgettable victory for the Boys in Blue.
Ulva remained unbeaten on 49 runs from just 26 deliveries, playing a crucial role in bringing India back into the contest. His calm approach during the final moments proved decisive as India secured the title in dramatic fashion.
A Strong Start by India’s Top Order in the 338-Run Chase
India began their chase confidently, with openers Aaryavir Sehwag and captain Lakshya Raichandani putting together an impressive 90-run partnership.
Sehwag continued his excellent form in the tournament, scoring 58 from 61 balls with the help of nine boundaries. Despite suffering an injury to his forearm during the powerplay, he continued batting and completed another important half-century.
Captain Raichandani provided stability at the other end, contributing 80 runs from 101 deliveries. His innings included his third half-century of the tournament.
However, India’s progress slowed after Raichandani was dismissed. Anvay Dravid was subsequently run out for 19, putting additional pressure on the middle order.
VK Vineeth managed 24 runs before Rizwanullah sent him back to the pavilion. The same bowler also dismissed Arjun Rajput for 16, giving Pakistan an opportunity to take control of the match.
India suffered further setbacks when Yashbardhan Chauhan and Kavya Patel were dismissed in quick succession. With wickets falling regularly, Pakistan appeared to be moving towards victory.
Manal Chauhan and Mohit Ulva Keep India’s Hopes Alive
Just when Pakistan looked set to win the final, Manal Chauhan and Mohit Ulva produced a remarkable fightback.
The pair added 57 runs for the ninth wicket, bringing India back into contention. Manal played an aggressive innings of 47 runs from only 32 balls, hitting three boundaries and three sixes.
Ulva supported him with important runs at the other end and ensured that India’s hopes remained alive.
Manal’s dismissal in the 48th over left India needing another 29 runs from 17 deliveries, with just one wicket remaining. The situation was extremely difficult, but Ulva continued to fight.
With eight runs required in the final over, the pressure reached its peak. India needed three runs from the final ball, and Ulva finished the contest by hitting a boundary.
His unbeaten 49-run innings from 26 balls became the defining performance of the final as India completed a stunning one-wicket victory.
Usman Khan’s Century Helps Pakistan Score 337 Runs
Earlier, Pakistan had delivered an impressive batting performance after choosing to bat first. The team posted 337 runs for nine wickets, largely thanks to a brilliant century from opener Usman Khan.
Usman started positively and shared an opening partnership of 62 runs with Hayam Khan in just 8.1 overs.
He then joined forces with Abdul Qadir to build a significant second-wicket partnership. The duo added 135 runs in 18 overs, putting Pakistan in a strong position to post a massive total.
Usman completed his century in 106 balls, while Qadir played an attacking innings of 80 runs from just 54 deliveries. Qadir also registered his maiden Youth ODI half-century, reaching the milestone in 39 balls.
He put pressure on India’s spin attack by hitting consecutive sixes against left-arm spinner Manal Chauhan and off-spinner Yashbardhan Chauhan.
Arjun Rajput eventually dismissed Qadir in the 27th over, while Indian pacer Kavya Patel removed Usman in the 37th over.
Pakistan had reached 240 for three after 36 overs and continued scoring quickly. Captain Farhan Yousaf contributed another important 60 runs from 63 deliveries, helping his team move beyond the 300-run mark.
Kavya Patel Takes Four Wickets as India Complete the Comeback
India’s bowlers managed to pick up wickets during the closing stages, although Pakistan had already built a strong total.
Kavya Patel led India’s bowling attack with four wickets, while C Venkata claimed three wickets.
Despite Pakistan’s impressive batting display and a challenging target of 338 runs, India’s lower-order batters refused to surrender.
Mohit Ulva’s last-ball boundary eventually settled the contest and handed India a memorable one-wicket victory in the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2026 final.
The thrilling finish made the final a memorable contest, with India’s determined batting effort overcoming Pakistan’s formidable total.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Match scores, player statistics and tournament details are based on the information provided in the report. Readers should refer to official ACC and cricket board sources for verified match records and updates.