Pakistan eye title defence against India

Holders eye back-to-back crowns after an unbeaten campaign in Under-19 Asia Cup

Pakistan and India will renew their fierce cricket rivalry when they meet in the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup in Oman on Saturday (today) with the defending champions seeking to retain their crown.

The final at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground in Al Amerat brings together the tournament's two most closely watched sides, both of whom have negotiated challenging knockout assignments to reach the title decider.

Pakistan, led by Farhan Yousaf, have been the more consistent team throughout the competition, winning all four of their matches. They opened their campaign with a nine-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates before edging India by three wickets in a closely contested group encounter thanks to Hamza Zahoor’s stunning 100 not out.

A commanding 101-run win over Nepal secured Pakistan's place at the top of Group A, while their nine-wicket demolition of Bangladesh in Thursday's semi-final underlined their credentials. Fast bowler Rizwanullah claimed five wickets for 30 runs before Hayam Khan and Usman Khan guided Pakistan to victory with an unbeaten opening partnership of 123 runs.

India, meanwhile, finished second in Group A after winning two of their three matches. They began with a ten-wicket victory over Nepal, suffered a three-wicket defeat against Pakistan and recovered with a 70-run win over the UAE.

The Indian side regained momentum in the semi-finals, defeating Afghanistan by eight wickets. Lakshya Raichandani led the chase with an impressive 93 off 90 deliveries, while Arya Viraj Sehrawat and VK Vinith provided valuable support.

Saturday's encounter also carries the weight of last year's final, when Pakistan defeated India by 191 runs to claim the title. That result will add another layer of motivation for India, although Pakistan's group-stage victory suggests they will enter the contest with considerable confidence.

Aaryavir Sehwag of India leads the batting chart with 303 runs, which contains one century and one fifty.

Usman Khan of Pakistan follows with 238 runs which carries one century and one fifty.

Afghanistan’s Noor Ali leads bowling chart with 14 wickets. He is followed by Tafiulm Alam Tamim of Bangladesh with 13 while Pakistan’s Rizwanullah and ID Sood of India stand share 11 wickets each. India have won the event for record seven times while once in 2012 in Malaysia India and Pakistan had shared the trophy after the final had ended in a tie.

Bangladesh have two titles to their credit while Afghanistan have won the event once.