India vs Pakistan U19 Asia Cup: India bowled out for 208 despite Rajput's century

India Under-19s were bowled out for 208 runs against Pakistan after a dramatic batting collapse, despite a magnificent century from Arjun Rajput, in the eighth match of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Under-19 Asia Cup 2026 at Al Amerat, Oman, on Sunday.

Pakistan produced a disciplined bowling performance to keep India's batting line-up under pressure throughout the Group A encounter, with three bowlers sharing nine wickets between them.

India, who won the toss and elected to bat, lost captain Lakshya Raichandani on the second ball of the innings as Ali Raza struck early to give Pakistan an immediate breakthrough.

The early setback put pressure on India's top order, which struggled to establish a steady scoring rate against Pakistan's bowling attack.

View this post on X

Aaryavir Sehwag attempted to stabilise the innings with a 40-ball 22, but his stay ended when Niqab Shafiq dismissed him. Sehwag's innings included a boundary and a six.

VK Vineeth contributed eight runs from 29 deliveries before becoming Ali Raza's second victim, while Yashbardhan Chauhan managed only one run before Rizwanullah sent him back to the pavilion.

India were reduced to 22-3 in 11.4 overs, leaving the team in a difficult position during the opening phase of its innings.

Arjun Rajput leads India's recovery

With the top order struggling, Arjun Rajput took responsibility for rebuilding the innings and played an aggressive knock that brought India back into contention.

The batter scored 107 runs from 85 deliveries, striking 11 boundaries and five sixes at a strike rate of 125.88.

His innings provided the backbone of India's total and helped the team recover from its early collapse.

Rajput received some support from Anvay Dravid, who scored 10 off 16 balls, and Manal Chauhan, who contributed 11 from 19 deliveries.

The partnerships helped India move past the 100-run mark and reach 150 before Pakistan struck again.

However, the dismissal of Rajput at 170 in 35.2 overs proved a major turning point. The centurion was removed after giving India a platform for a competitive total, but the remaining batters failed to build on his contribution.

Pakistan bowlers trigger late collapse

After a fiery spell from Ali Raza at the top, Rajput managed to steady the innings. However, after his dismissal, Pakistan's bowling attack maintained its discipline in the final stages, preventing India's lower order from adding substantial runs.

Rizwanullah was among the most effective bowlers, finishing with three wickets for 24 runs in seven overs, including one maiden.

Ali Raza also claimed three wickets, conceding 37 runs in his allotted 10 overs. He provided Pakistan with an early breakthrough by dismissing India's captain before returning to remove Vineeth and Yashveer Goud.

Niqab Shafiq completed the three-wicket haul with figures of 3-42 in 10 overs. He dismissed Sehwag, Dravid and Mohit Ulva.

Mohammad Sayyam picked up the remaining wicket, finishing with 1-27 in 8.3 overs, while Ahmed Hussain and Hasnain Abbas Dar went wicketless.

India lost its last five wickets for just 38 runs after reaching 170, highlighting Pakistan's effective execution during the closing overs.

Kavya Paresh Patel added 23 from 45 deliveries, while Mohit Ulva scored seven. Ishan Sood remained unbeaten on two when the innings ended.

India were eventually dismissed for 208 in 46.3 overs, with 13 extras, including 10 wides and three leg-byes.

Pakistan need 209 runs for victory

Pakistan now require 209 runs to win the Group A fixture and secure an important result in the Under-19 Asia Cup.

Despite Rajput's outstanding century, India's inability to build partnerships around his innings restricted the side to a total that Pakistan will look to chase.

The contest also highlighted the importance of Pakistan's bowling depth, with Ali Raza, Rizwanullah and Niqab Shafiq making significant contributions at different stages of the innings.

The match is part of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup 2026, which features emerging cricketing talent from across the continent.