India beat Pakistan in the U19 Asia Cup: Watch Highlights Now
Cricket News today: Few rivalries in world cricket evoke as much passion, intensity, and scrutiny as India versus Pakistan. Even at the Under-19 level, matches between the two nations are far more than just contests of bat and ball—they are examinations of temperament, preparation, and belief. When India took on Pakistan in a Group A clash of the Under-19 Asia Cup in Dubai, the stakes were high, and expectations even higher. What followed was a comprehensive Indian performance that underlined their growing strength, tactical discipline, and collective maturity.
India’s emphatic 90-run victory was not only a reflection of their superiority on the field but also a reaffirmation of their stance off it. By maintaining their much-discussed ‘no-handshake’ policy, the Indian team once again demonstrated that their approach extends beyond cricketing excellence—it is rooted in a clear sense of resolve and principle.
Setting the Tone: A Confident Start with the Bat
India’s innings began with intent and authority, led from the front by captain Ayush Mhatre. From the very first over, Mhatre looked eager to impose himself on the contest, taking calculated risks and putting the Pakistani bowlers under pressure. His aggressive 25-ball knock, which included four crisp boundaries and three towering sixes, immediately shifted the momentum in India’s favour.
Mhatre’s innings was not just about scoring quick runs; it was about setting a tone of confidence and fearlessness. Against a traditionally strong Pakistan bowling attack, the Indian skipper showed no signs of hesitation, sending a clear message that his side was here to dominate, not merely compete.
Pakistan did manage to claw their way back by removing both Indian openers inside the first ten overs, briefly threatening to wrest control of the match. However, this phase of play only served to highlight the depth and resilience of the Indian batting lineup.
Aaron George Anchors the Innings
With early wickets falling, India needed composure and stability in the middle order. That responsibility was shouldered admirably by Aaron George, whose innings proved to be the backbone of India’s total. George played with a maturity beyond his years, blending patience with precision as he rebuilt the innings alongside rotating partners.
His knock of 85 was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Rather than forcing the pace, George focused on finding gaps, rotating the strike, and punishing loose deliveries. His ability to read the bowlers and adapt to changing field placements allowed India to maintain a steady run rate, even as wickets fell at the other end.
George’s innings was particularly impressive for the way it neutralised Pakistan’s attempts to apply pressure. Every time Pakistan sensed an opening, George responded with calm assurance, ensuring that India never lost its footing.
Late Flourish Pushes India Past 230
As the innings entered its final stages, India found another crucial contributor in Kanishk Chouhan. Known for his all-round abilities, Chouhan provided the late surge India needed to turn a competitive score into a formidable one. His powerful hitting, which included three sixes, lifted the Indian total past the 230-run mark.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, India showed remarkable composure in the closing overs. Rather than collapsing under pressure, the lower order contributed valuable runs, displaying game awareness and collective responsibility. India eventually posted 240 all out in 46.1 overs—a total that reflected both disciplined accumulation and timely acceleration.
On a surface that offered something for both batters and bowlers, 240 was always going to be a challenging target. More importantly, it gave India’s bowlers a platform to attack with confidence and freedom.
Bowlers Rise to the Occasion
If India’s batting laid the foundation, their bowling performance truly sealed the contest. From the very beginning of Pakistan’s chase, Indian bowlers operated with clarity of purpose and relentless discipline.
Seamer Deepesh Devendran was outstanding in the opening spell, making immediate inroads into the Pakistani top order. His ability to extract movement and hit consistent lengths proved too much for Pakistan’s batters, who struggled to cope with the pressure. Devendran’s three early wickets left Pakistan reeling at 30 for four, effectively derailing their chase before it could gain momentum.
The early breakthroughs not only dented Pakistan’s confidence but also allowed India to dictate terms for the remainder of the innings.
Chouhan’s Spin Tightens the Noose
With Pakistan already on the back foot, Kanishk Chouhan once again emerged as a key figure—this time with the ball. His incisive off-spin added another layer of complexity to Pakistan’s struggles, as he consistently broke partnerships and prevented any sustained recovery.
Chouhan’s figures of 3 for 33 were a testament to his control and cricketing intelligence. He varied his pace subtly, used the crease effectively, and forced batters into making mistakes. His wickets came at crucial moments, ensuring that Pakistan never found a foothold in the chase.
While Huzaifa Ahsan offered resistance with a well-compiled 70 off 83 balls, his efforts were largely solitary. Without support from the other end, even a valiant innings was not enough to bridge the widening gap between the two sides.
Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 150 in 41.2 overs, handing India a commanding 90-run victory.
A Display of Collective Discipline
Beyond the runs scored and wickets taken, what stood out most about India’s performance was the discipline displayed throughout the match. Whether it was the batters sticking to their roles, the bowlers executing plans with precision, or the fielders maintaining intensity, India operated as a cohesive and well-drilled unit.
This discipline was not limited to on-field tactics alone. The Indian team once again adhered to their ‘no-handshake’ policy with Pakistan, refraining from the customary gestures at the toss and after the match. While such moments often attract attention and debate, for India, it was simply a continuation of a stance they have consistently maintained.
The ‘No-Handshake’ Policy: A Statement of Principle
The decision not to shake hands was not an impulsive act but part of a broader approach that has been in place since the recently concluded Asia Cup 2025. During that tournament, India had also declined to receive the winner’s trophy from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, reinforcing their position.
This policy has sparked widespread discussion across cricketing circles and social media platforms, with opinions divided on its implications. However, from India’s perspective, the message has remained consistent: principles and discipline take precedence, even when it means deviating from long-standing sporting conventions.
For a young team at the Under-19 level, adhering to such a stance also speaks volumes about the clarity of leadership and the environment in which these players are being groomed.
A Glimpse Into India’s Future
Victories like this do more than secure points on the table—they build belief, character, and momentum. Players such as Ayush Mhatre, Aaron George, and Kanishk Chouhan showcased not only their individual talents but also their ability to perform under pressure against a traditional rival.
The balance in the squad, with contributors across departments, suggests a promising future for Indian cricket. These young players are learning the value of patience, adaptability, and teamwork—qualities that will serve them well as they progress to higher levels.
Momentum and Confidence Moving Forward
As the tournament progresses, India will look to build on this performance, knowing that consistency will be key to success. The confidence gained from such a comprehensive win against Pakistan can act as a catalyst, pushing the team to greater heights.
For now, however, this match will be remembered as a defining moment—a game where India combined skill, strategy, and discipline to outclass a formidable opponent. It was a reminder that dominance in cricket is not just about talent, but about mindset, preparation, and unity.
India has sent a strong message to the rest of the tournament: they are organised, fearless, and unwavering in their beliefs. If this performance is any indication, the future of Indian cricket remains in very capable hands.
