Sat Nov 30 13:03:16 UTC 2024: ## India U19 Loses Opening Match Against Pakistan in Asia Cup

**Dubai, UAE:** India’s Under-19 cricket team suffered a 44-run defeat against Pakistan in their opening match of the 2024 Asia Cup on Saturday at the Dubai International Stadium. Chasing a challenging 282-run target, India were bowled out for 237 in 48 overs.

Pakistan’s captain, Saad Beg, won the toss and elected to bat first. Their innings was dominated by Shahzaib Khan’s stunning century (159 runs, including 10 sixes and 5 fours), and a 160-run opening partnership with Usman Khan (60 runs). Pakistan finished their 50 overs at 281/7. Samarth Nagraj was India’s most successful bowler, taking three wickets.

India’s chase got off to a poor start, losing wickets early. While Nikhil Kumar fought back with a 60-run knock (including 6 fours and 3 sixes), the team couldn’t maintain the momentum. Ali Raza claimed three wickets for Pakistan, while Abdul Subhan and Farhan Ul Haq took two each. The 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who created history at the IPL 2025 mega-auction, was dismissed early for just 1 run.

India’s next match is against Japan on December 2nd in Sharjah. They will then face UAE on December 4th, also in Sharjah. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on December 6th, with the final scheduled for December 8th. The tournament is being played in a 50-over format across Dubai International Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

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