Under-19 Asia Cup: India sets 241 target for Pakistan

DUBAI: The much-anticipated Under-19 Asia Cup clash between traditional rivals Pakistan and India was delayed due to rain, with the toss initially set for 9:30 AM postponed as the ground conditions were deemed unplayable. Once the weather cleared up, Pakistan won the toss and decided to field first in what is expected to be a high-stakes encounter.

The toss itself was delayed by the wet conditions, and despite the rain, both captains, Farhan Yousuf of Pakistan and India’s captain, refrained from shaking hands during the coin toss—a gesture that has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.

Speaking after winning the toss, Pakistan’s captain Farhan Yousuf stated, “There is no pressure on us in today’s match. Our focus is on restricting the Indian team to a low score.” The young skipper is confident of his team’s bowling prowess as Pakistan prepares for what promises to be an exciting battle on the field.

Both teams come into the match with two points each after winning their respective opening encounters. Pakistan had a dominant victory over Malaysia in their last outing, winning by a massive margin of 297 runs.

INDIA SETS PAKISTAN A TARGET OF 241 RUNS TO WIN

India has set Pakistan a target of 241 runs to win, after being bowled out for 240 runs in their allotted 49 overs. The match was reduced to 49 overs due to rain interruptions earlier in the day.

India’s standout performer was Aaron George, who played a brilliant knock of 85 runs. Despite his efforts, the rest of the Indian lineup struggled, and they were dismissed for a total of 240 runs.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Sayam was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets, while Subhan also played a key role in the attack, claiming 3 wickets of his own. With Pakistan now needing 241 runs to win, the stage is set for an exciting finish in this rain-affected encounter.

PAKISTAN’S DOMINANT WIN OVER MALAYSIA

Earlier, in their Group A match, Pakistan posted an impressive total of 345/3 in their allotted 50 overs after being invited to bat first by Malaysia, who won the toss. Usman Khan (1) and Ali Hassan Baloch (14) fell early, but the middle order, led by Sameer Minhas and Ahmed Hussain, took control.

Minhas played an outstanding knock, scoring 177 runs off 50 balls, which included 8 sixes and 11 fours, while Ahmed Hussain contributed a brilliant 132 runs. Hussain’s innings featured 2 sixes and 8 fours, anchoring the innings with stability and flair. Farhan Yousuf also chipped in with a quick 8 runs as Pakistan finished with a commanding total of 345/3.

When Malaysia came out to chase the target of 346, they crumbled under pressure. No Malaysian batter could reach double figures, and the entire team was bowled out for just 48 runs in 19.4 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers were in excellent form, with Ali Raza and Muhammad Sayam taking three wickets each, Daniyal Ali Khan claiming two, and Niqab Shafiq adding one to the tally.

Pakistan’s win by 297 runs was a resounding statement, and they will look to carry that momentum into their match against India, where both sides are eager to maintain their unbeaten records in the tournament.