India Crush Pakistan by 90 Runs in U-19 Asia Cup Opener, Chouhan and Devendran Shine

A commanding all-round performance powered India to a 90-run victory over Pakistan in their Group A clash of the Under-19 Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday, setting the tone for a dominant campaign. Led by Kanishk Chouhan’s off-spin and Deepesh Devendran’s pace, India restricted Pakistan to 150 in 41.2 overs after posting a competitive 240 in their innings.

---

India Sets a Strong Total

After winning the toss, India elected to bat and got off to a brisk start. Captain Ayush Mhatre struck three sixes and four boundaries in his 25-ball 38, but both openers fell inside the first 10 overs, thanks to Pakistan’s Mohammad Sayyam.

Aaron George then anchored the innings with a fluent 85, finding gaps consistently and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Chouhan’s late assault, which included three sixes, ensured India crossed the 230-run mark, finishing at 240 all out in 46.1 overs.

For Pakistan, Sayyam and Abdul Subhan were the most successful bowlers, taking three wickets each, while Niqab Shafiq picked up two.

---

Early Breakthroughs Set Up Victory

Pakistan’s chase faltered from the outset, slipping to 30 for four. Devendran’s incisive opening spell claimed three quick wickets, giving India a firm grip on the match. Captain Farhan Yousaf (23) and Huzaifa Ahsan tried to stabilize the innings, but Chouhan’s off-spin proved decisive, finishing with figures of 3 for 33.

Ahsan top-scored for Pakistan with 70 off 83 balls but received little support from the other end. Devendran returned impressive figures of 3 for 16, ensuring Pakistan never recovered from the early collapse.

---

Context and Controversy

The match also continued a protocol recently observed by Indian teams, as players of both sides did not shake hands at the toss or post-match, reflecting the ‘no-handshake’ stance India maintained during the senior men’s Asia Cup 2025 when refusing the winner’s trophy from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

---

Key Stats

• India 1st Innings: 240 all out in 46.1 overs

  • Aaron George 85, Ayush Mhatre 38, Kanishk Chouhan 46

• Pakistan 2nd Innings: 150 all out in 41.2 overs

  • Huzaifa Ahsan 70, Mohammad Sayyam 3/67, Abdul Subhan 3/42

• India Bowlers: Kanishk Chouhan 3/33, Deepesh Devendran 3/16

---

India’s disciplined bowling and timely batting contributions ensured a dominant win, leaving Pakistan struggling early in the tournament. With Chouhan and Devendran in fine form, India looks well-placed to make a strong push in Group A.