INTERNATIONAL DESK — India clinched the Under-19 Asia Cup title after overcoming arch-rivals Pakistan in a dramatic tournament final, secured through a calculated late-match batting recovery.
Opting to field first after losing the toss, Pakistan put pressure on the Indian batting lineup early in the fixture. India was forced to adjust its playing combination ahead of the clash, missing key bowler Ishan Sood due to a lingering back niggle. In his absence, the team management drafted Chigurupati Venkata into the starting eleven.
The turning point of the championship match arrived during the closing stages of the innings. Under pressure, batters Manal Chauhan, Mohit Ulva, and C Venkata orchestrated a crucial 87-run partnership across just 51 deliveries, shifting the momentum decisively and setting a competitive target that ultimately proved too challenging to chase.
The hard-fought victory highlights the depth and resilience of regional youth cricket structures, as both sides displayed competitive temperament under tournament-final pressures. The conclusion of the regional showcase marks the end of a rigorous campaign for both squads, setting the stage for future international youth fixtures.