India’s last-ball Asia Cup triumph over Pakistan overshadowed by player conduct

India defeated Pakistan by one wicket in the Under-19 Asia Cup final on Saturday, completing a last-ball chase in Oman before aggressive celebrations drew criticism. The victory at the Oman Academy Cricket Ground in Al Amerat, outside Muscat, secured India’s ninth title in the competition and their first since 2021.

Chasing 338 in the 50-over contest, India appeared in trouble at 252-8 in the 42nd over. Manal Chauhan and Mohit Ulva brought them back into contention with a ninth-wicket partnership of 57. Chauhan scored 47 from 32 deliveries, while Ulva remained unbeaten on 49 from 26 balls. With three runs needed from the final delivery, Ulva struck a boundary to complete the comeback.

The celebrations that followed included an Indian player shouting and making angry gestures directly at Pakistan wicketkeeper Hamza Zahoor, who did not react. Other players kicked their legs towards Pakistan’s dressing room as members of India’s team management attempted to restrain them. The scenes prompted criticism alongside praise for India’s determination during the chase.

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf urged players to remember that their conduct reflects their families’ values as well as their country. In a post on X, he called for respect and composure in both victory and defeat. Former Indian cricketers and heads of state celebrated the result without condemning the behaviour, while several Indian supporters criticised the players online, arguing that the rivalry did not justify their actions.

Neither team took part in the customary handshake after the match. Such omissions have become increasingly familiar in meetings between India and Pakistan as political tensions have spilled into cricket over the past year. During an Asia Cup encounter in September last year, then-India captain Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates declined to shake hands with Pakistan’s players. They also refused to receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi, who is Pakistan’s interior minister.

The women’s teams also avoided handshakes at the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup in Sri Lanka, this year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and their Women’s Asia Cup group match. In September, India’s women declined to accept the trophy from Naqvi after their Asia Cup final victory in Dubai.

Pakistan had chosen to bat after winning the toss and finished on 337-9. Opener Usman Khan anchored the innings with 107 from 111 deliveries, supported by Abdul Qadir’s 80 and captain Farhan Yousaf’s 63. India’s opening pair then established a foundation for the pursuit, with captain Lakshya Raichandani making 80 off 101 balls and Aaryavir Sehwag contributing 58 from 61.

Aaryavir, the son of former India player Virender Sehwag, hit nine fours and was named player of the tournament. He topped the competition’s scoring with 361 runs across five innings. India also fielded wicketkeeper Anvay Dravid, son of former India captain and coach Rahul Dravid, who contributed 19 runs.

Ulva said afterwards that he had retained confidence despite a disappointing tournament and credited Chauhan’s support during the chase. He said the team believed Pakistan’s total was within reach on a flat batting surface and described the number 10 position as a lucky one for him.