Hamza Zahoor struck a classy unbeaten century, nullifying Arjun Rajput’s attacking 107 as Pakistan defeated India by three wickets in a Group A match of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup on Sunday. Zahoor, who milked 107 runs for a match-turning sixth wicket partnership, with Hasnain Dar (38) helped Pakistan go past the modest 209-run target that India set with little less than two overs to spare.
“I wanted to stay till the end and I knew I can win the match for my country,” Zahoor said at post-match presentation ceremony.
The victory also carried Pakistan to the top of the table with four points from two matches. India stayed at second spot with two points from as many matches. The dismissal of Dar at the score of 168 left Pakistan in need of another 41 runs to reach home, but Zahoor stayed till the end to accomplish that target. In both partnerships, Rajput did the bulk of the scoring with his attacking batting, keeping India in the hunt and helping the team cross the 200-run mark. Once Rajput departed in the 36th over, with India at 170 for seven, the side lost two more quick wickets in Yashveer Goud and Mohit Ulva to be reduced to 195 for nine. Left-arm medium pacer Mohammad Sayyam (1/27) also got his name on the scoresheet, claiming the final Indian wicket.
