'Tomorrow's match 50 Inshallah': Hamza Zahoor's note comes true as Pakistan U19 beat India in Asia Cup 2026

Pakistan Under-19 registered a thrilling three-wicket victory over India Under-19 in the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2026 on Sunday, courtesy of a brilliant unbeaten century from wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor.

Chasing a target of 209 runs at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Pakistan recovered from a difficult position of 61/5 to reach 209/7 in 48.1 overs, sealing the win with 11 balls to spare.

Zahoor played a match-winning knock of 100 not out off 108 deliveries, holding his nerve under pressure to guide Pakistan across the finish line. However, it was a message he had written before the match that caught attention after the victory.

Following his match-winning century, Zahoor showed a handwritten note that read, "Tomorrow's match 50 inshallah, Hamza Zahoor, I am the best." The wicketkeeper-batter backed his own ability and went on to score an unbeaten 100, surpassing the target of 50 runs mentioned in his note.

Hasnain Dar also played a crucial role, scoring 38 runs. The duo stitched together a 107-run partnership to revive Pakistan's innings after India's bowlers had put the opposition on the back foot.

Arjun Rajput's century rescues India U19

Earlier, India Under-19 were bowled out for 208 in 46.3 overs after opting to bat first. Pakistan's bowling attack made an impressive start, reducing India to 86/5 in 22.5 overs. Indian captain Lakshya Raichandani (0), Aaryavir Sehwag (22), VK Vineeth (8), Yashbardhan Chauhan (1) and Anvay Dravid (10) failed to make significant contributions.

However, Arjun Rajput produced a fighting century to revive India's innings. The batter scored 107 off 85 balls, smashing 11 fours and five sixes to help India reach a competitive total despite losing wickets at regular intervals. For Pakistan, Ali Raza, Rizwanullah and Niqab Shafiq picked up three wickets each to restrict India to 208.

Hamza Zahoor leads Pakistan to victory

India started their defence strongly, putting Pakistan under pressure and reducing them to 61/5. However, Zahoor and Dar combined to produce a crucial partnership that changed the course of the contest.

Zahoor remained unbeaten until the end, completing his century with the winning boundary to seal a memorable victory for Pakistan. With this result, Pakistan moved to the top of Group A in the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2026. They had earlier registered a nine-wicket victory over the UAE.

India, meanwhile, slipped to second place in the group standings after recording one win and one defeat. They had opened their campaign with a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Nepal before suffering the defeat against Pakistan.