Aaryavir Sehwag, Lakshya Raichandani star as India beat Pakistan to win U19 Asia Cup

India Under-19 produced a stunning run chase to defeat arch-rivals Pakistan by one wicket in a thrilling final and clinch the 2026 Men's U19 Asia Cup title. Chasing a formidable target of 338, the Indian colts held their nerve to finish at 339/9 in 50 overs, sealing the title off the final ball.

Captain Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani and Mohit Ulva played crucial roles in India's remarkable victory, with the latter producing a sensational late-innings assault to turn the contest in India's favour.

Pakistan had set India a challenging target after posting 337/9 in their 50 overs. Usman Khan led their batting effort with a 107-run knock, while Abdul Qadir scored 80 and captain Farhan Yousaf added 63. For India, Kavya Patel picked up four wickets, while Chigurupati Venkata claimed three.


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The chase began with a strong opening partnership between Raichandani and Aaryavir Sehwag, son of former India opener Virender Sehwag. Aaryavir contributed 58 off 61 balls, hitting nine boundaries, while sharing a 95-run stand with the captain.

He also grabbed attention with his celebration after reaching his half-century, recreating Virat Kohli's iconic 'let my bat do the talking' gesture. His innings came despite an injury scare after he was struck on the forearm by a delivery from Ali Raza.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly congratulated the U19 team on their triumph, praising Aaryavir Sehwag's performance throughout the tournament and saying his father, former India opener Virender Sehwag, must be a proud man.

Raichandani anchored the chase with a composed 80 off 101 deliveries, striking five boundaries. However, India's middle order struggled to maintain momentum, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Manal Chauhan then kept India's hopes alive with an attacking 47 off 32 balls, including three fours and three sixes.

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With India needing a strong finish, Mohit Ulva delivered under pressure. He remained unbeaten on 49 off just 26 deliveries, smashing five fours and three sixes. His late assault, alongside Chigurupati Venkata's unbeaten 11 off eight balls, helped India cross the finish line in the final over.

The pair added an unbeaten 30 runs off just 16 deliveries to complete one of the most dramatic chases in the tournament's history. India finished at 339/9, winning by one wicket and securing their ninth U19 Asia Cup title.

The victory marked a memorable triumph for India's young side, which overcame Pakistan's imposing total and a tense final stretch to reclaim the continental crown.