Sun Dec 01 11:50:00 UTC 2024: ## India U19 suffers 43-run defeat against Pakistan in Asia Cup opener

**Dubai, November 30:** India’s Under-19 cricket team suffered a disappointing 43-run defeat against Pakistan in their opening match of the 2024 Asia Cup. Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted a challenging 281/7 in their allotted 50 overs, largely thanks to a magnificent 159 from Shahzaib Khan, studded with 10 sixes and 5 fours. Usman Khan also contributed a significant 60. India’s bowling attack, led by Samarth Nagraj (3 wickets), struggled to contain the Pakistani onslaught. A 160-run opening partnership between Shahzaib Khan and Usman Khan laid the foundation for Pakistan’s strong total.

Chasing a daunting 282, India’s innings never truly recovered after losing early wickets. The 13-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who made headlines at the IPL 2025 mega-auction, was dismissed for just 1. Despite a fighting 60 from Nikhil Kumar (6 fours, 3 sixes) and a late cameo from Mohammad Anan (30), India were eventually bowled out for 238 in the 48th over. Ali Raza took 3 wickets for Pakistan, while Abdul Subhan and Farhan Ul Haq claimed two each.

Despite the loss, India will look to bounce back in their next Group B match against Japan on December 2nd in Sharjah. Their remaining group matches are against UAE on December 4th (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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