Pakistan chose to bat first after winning the toss against long-time rivals India in the U-19 Asia Cup final, played in Muscat on Saturday. Both sides are competing for the continental title.
Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf kept his playing XI unchanged for the high-stakes clash, while India made one change, according to the respective captains. Defending champions Pakistan arrived unbeaten, having won all four of their matches this tournament, including a group-stage win over India.
Pakistan’s route to the final
Pakistan secured their place with a nine-wicket win over Bangladesh on Thursday. Fast bowler Rizwanullah was the standout in the semi-final, taking a maiden five-wicket haul as Bangladesh were dismissed.
Also read: Pakistan beat Bangladesh to reach U19 Asia Cup final · Pakistan beat India in U19 Asia Cup on Hamza Zahoor's century
Pakistan’s openers then reached the 139-run target with ease. Usman Khan finished unbeaten on 64 off 54 balls, while Hayam Khan made 69 off 72 deliveries. Their 123-run opening stand carried Pakistan home in the 22nd over.
India’s chase against Afghanistan
India earned their own place in the final with an eight-wicket victory over Afghanistan on the same day. Captain Lakshya Raichandani led the chase with 93 off 86 balls, hitting 13 fours and a six.
Aaryavir Sehwag added 51 off 57 deliveries, and the pair put on 117 runs for the opening wicket as India overhauled the 228-run target. Pakistan had also beaten India in their earlier group-stage meeting this year and will hope to carry that momentum into the decider.
How the tournament began in 1989
The Asian Under-19 tournament was first staged in Bangladesh in 1989, featuring India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in a double round-robin format. India, led by Ranjib Biswal, beat Sri Lanka by 79 runs in the final to win the inaugural title.
The event then went 14 years without an edition before returning in Pakistan in 2003. India beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets in that final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The third edition, held in Malaysia in 2012, ended with India and Pakistan tied in the final, and the teams shared the trophy.
