India thrashes arch-rival Pakistan to lift under-19 Asia Cup after 11 years

Sharjah: Powered with the electrifying tons from skipper Vijay Zol (100) and emerging star Sanju Samson (100), India defeated Pakistan by 40 runs clinched the under-19 Asia Cup after 11 years at Sharjah cricket stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

India rode on the crucial innings played by Zol and Samson and posted 314 runs after losing 8 wickets. After an amazing display of batting, the young Indian brigade also excelled in the bowling department. Bowler Kuldeep Yadav dismissed three Pakistani batsmen and along with other bowlers restricted the opponent’s inning on 274-9.

Earlier in the day, Pakistani captain Shami Aslam won the toss and opted to bowl best. The much0needed partnership between Zol and Samson of 180 runs put the opponent team on the back side and proved Aslam’s decision as wrong.

Kamran Gulam of Pakistan played a wonderful knock and remained unbeaten at 102, while skipper Aslam also contributed crucial 87 runs but both failed to lead their team to victory as they didn’t receive much support from the other team members.

India has lifted the trophy of under-19 Asia Cup individually after 11 long years as they last won it in 2002-03. They also claimed the title in 2012 but India has to share the title with Pakistan at that time.

It was in 1989-90 that India first became the champion of under-19 Asia Cup and then the golden phase came in 2002-03.

Fantastic performance of Indian bowlers

Though Indian batsmen posted a giant total, the victory had not been possible without the incredible contribution from bowlers. Yadav gave 72 runs in total and sent 3of the Pakistani players back to pavilion. CV Milind, Deepak Hudda and Aamir Gani bagged two-two wickets each.

The turning point of the match was the wicket of Aslam taken by Gaani in the 35th over. Only Kamran was the player from Pakistan’s side who could manage to play well after Aslam got out and scored a century with the help of 12 fours.