Delhi: In the Under-19 Asia Cup 2026, the Indian team had to face defeat against Pakistan by three wickets. The performance of Indian batsmen in the match played in Al Emirates was not as expected. Despite Arjun Rajput's brilliant century, Team India could not win. Pakistan registered its second consecutive win by achieving the target with 11 balls remaining.

Arjun Rajput's century, Indian batting remained weak

The Indian team, which came to bat first after winning the toss, had a very bad start.

Captain Lakshya Raichandani was out on the very second ball. After this, VK Vineet, Yashvardhan Chauhan and Aryaveer Sehwag also failed to play big innings. India had lost four wickets for 42 runs.

In such difficult times, Arjun Rajput took charge. He scored 107 runs in 85 balls, which included 11 fours and 5 sixes. This was his first century for the Under-19 Indian team. Anvay Dravid and Manal Chauhan also made some contributions, but other batsmen could not survive. The blue jersey team was completely out in the 47th over and was restricted to a limited score.

Pakistan won even after losing five wickets for 61 runs

Pakistan's chase of the target also did not have a good start. The team had lost 5 wickets for 61 runs. Indian bowlers were beginning to see hope of victory.

However, Hamza Zahoor and Hasnain Abbas Dar changed the course of the match by making a brilliant partnership. Both added 107 runs. Hasnain scored 38 runs, while Hamza played an excellent inning of 100 not out. His batting got Pakistan out of trouble.

Difficult path to semi-finals for India

The Indian team had won its first match against Nepal, but after the defeat against Pakistan, its situation has become challenging.

Now India's next match will be against United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 10th November. To reach the semi-finals, the Indian team will have to win this match. At the same time, Pakistan has confirmed its place in the last four.