India’s Under-19 Asia Cup win over Pakistan marred by post-match aggression
India defeated Pakistan by one wicket in a thrilling final of the Under-19 Asia Cup in Oman, but the victory was marred by aggressive post-match behaviour from the winning side.
India secured a dramatic one-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup final on Saturday, but the win was overshadowed by an ugly display of aggression from the winning side. The match, played at the Oman Academy Cricket Ground in Al Amerat, saw India chase down a target of 338 with just one ball to spare.
The nail-biting contest swung back and forth before Indian lower-order batters Manal Chauhan and Mohit Ulva orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. After India slumped to 252-8 in the 42nd over, the pair added a crucial 57 runs for the ninth wicket, with Ulva hitting the winning boundary on the final delivery.
Ulva finished unbeaten on 49 off 26 balls, while Chauhan contributed 47 from 32 deliveries. The victory gave India their ninth Under-19 Asia Cup title and their first since 2021. Pakistan had posted a strong total of 337-9, led by opener Usman Khan’s century (107 off 111 balls) and Abdul Qadir’s 80.
India’s reply was built on a solid foundation, with captain Lakshya Raichandani scoring 80 and fellow opener Aaryavir Sehwag, the son of cricket legend Virender Sehwag, making 58. Sehwag finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 361 runs and was named player of the tournament.
The celebrations quickly turned sour, with Indian players seen targeting their Pakistani counterparts with aggressive gestures. One player was filmed yelling and gesticulating in the face of Pakistan wicketkeeper Hamza Zahoor, who did not respond. Others kicked their legs in the direction of the Pakistan dressing room while team management attempted to restrain them.
The unsportsmanlike conduct has drawn sharp criticism. Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf emphasised the weight players carry when they step onto the pitch, stating that they represent their upbringing and values. He wrote on X, ‘You are not just representing your country. In fact, you are representing your upbringing, the values and the ethics your parents taught you as a child.’
Therefore, always remain respectful and composed, whether in victory or defeat. True sportsmanship is reflected in the way you conduct yourself, regardless of the outcome.
While former Indian cricketers and heads of state praised the team’s never-say-die spirit, they did not condemn the behaviour. Several Indian fans, however, shunned the ‘uncalled-for’ demeanour. One supporter wrote on X, ‘India and Pakistan may be adversaries, and cricket may be fiercely competitive, but that is no excuse for such uncouth, crass and downright disgusting behaviour.’
The incident has further strained an already tense relationship between the two nations. Both teams skipped the customary post-match handshake, a practice that has become increasingly common in Pakistan-India cricket matches due to rising political tensions. This follows a series of similar incidents, including last year when the Indian team refused to shake hands with Pakistan and declined to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi.
The decision to skip the handshake has been a recurring feature in recent matches, including the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 and the Women’s Asia Cup. In September, the India women’s team also refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi after winning the Asia Cup final in Dubai.
The Indian squad featured wicketkeeper Anvay Dravid, the son of former India captain and coach Rahul Dravid, who scored 19 runs. The team’s management has yet to issue an official statement regarding the post-match aggression.
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