Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian Under-19 cricket team on Saturday (November 14), following their thrilling one-wicket victory over Pakistan in the 2026 ACC Men's U-19 Asia Cup final at Al Amerat Cricket Ground.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi expressed pride in the team's achievement and wished them well for their future.
"Outstanding day for Indian cricket! Immensely proud of our young cricketers for today's impressive performance and for winning the Men's U-19 Asia Cup 2026. Their success will inspire several youngsters. Best wishes to the team for their endeavours ahead," PM Modi wrote.
Soon after the Prime Minister’s tweet, Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the Indian Under-19 cricket team for their triumph, praising the players' grit, determination, and sportsmanship on the pitch.
“A thrilling victory! Applause for the Indian cricket team on winning the Men's U19 Asia Cup title, crowning the nation with joy and pride through your landmark triumph. The sheer grit, determination and unmatched sportsmanship you demonstrated on the pitch were a masterclass in India's cricketing excellence. Your performance will inspire more budding cricketers to join the league of winners,” Shah wrote on X.
Coming to the match, Pakistan U19 posted 337/9 in 50 overs. Opener Usman Khan anchored the innings with a composed 111 off 107 balls, supported by an explosive 80 off 54 balls from Abdul Qadir.
Kavya Patel led India's bowling attack with a four-wicket haul (4/68). Chigurupati Venkata supported him well by picking up three scalps (3/40).
During the chase, captain Lakshya Raichandani (80 off 101 balls) and Aaryavir Sehwag (58 off 61 balls) gave India U19 a steady start. However, Pakistan U19 bowlers—led by Rizwanullah and Niqab Shafiq—triggered a middle-order collapse that left India reeling at 251/7.
No. 7 Manal Chauhan (47 off 32 balls) and No. 10 Mohit Ulva (49* off 26 balls) revived the chase with a crucial counter-attacking stand. After Chauhan fell, Chigurupati Venkata (11* off 8 balls) held up his end in an unbroken 30-run last-wicket partnership.
Needing 8 runs in the final over and 3 runs off the final delivery, Ulva smashed a boundary to take India U19 to 339/9 and seal the championship.
