India U19 Captain Lakshya Raichandani Hails Title Triumph as a Memorable Experience; Mohit Ulva Stars with Match-Winning Knock
India U19 captain Lakshya Raichandani described the team’s Asia Cup title triumph as a “very good experience” after returning to Delhi, praising Mohit Ulva for his crucial contribution in India’s thrilling one-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the final.
India secured their ninth U19 Asia Cup title after successfully chasing a challenging target of 338 runs at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Saturday. In a dramatic last-ball finish, Ulva struck a boundary off the final delivery to take India to 339/9 in 50 overs and seal a memorable victory.
Speaking to IANS after arriving in Delhi, Lakshya said, “It was a very good experience. Superb knock from Mohit Ulva and looking forward to whatever opportunity comes in my way.”
Ulva remained unbeaten on 49, holding his nerve during the tense closing stages alongside Chigurupati Venkata, who finished unbeaten on 11. Their partnership ensured India crossed the finish line despite facing immense pressure in the final overs.
Earlier, Pakistan posted an imposing total of 337/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Usman Khan led the batting effort with an impressive 107, while Abdul Qadir contributed 80 and captain Farhan Yousaf scored 63. Usman and Qadir also shared a crucial 135-run partnership for the second wicket, putting Pakistan in a commanding position.
India’s bowlers fought back towards the end, with Kavya Patel claiming four wickets and Chigurupati Venkata taking three to restrict Pakistan to 337.
India’s response was built around a solid opening partnership between Lakshya Raichandani and Aaryavir Sehwag. The pair added 95 runs for the first wicket, with Lakshya scoring a composed 80 off 101 deliveries and Sehwag contributing 58 off 61 balls.
Lakshya anchored the innings through the middle overs, but his dismissal in the 37th over, followed by Anvay Dravid’s run-out, put India under pressure. The team subsequently lost Aryan Savsani and Kavya Patel in quick succession, making the chase increasingly difficult.
However, Manal Chauhan revived India’s hopes with an attacking 47 off just 32 deliveries. His partnership with Ulva added 57 crucial runs for the ninth wicket, bringing India back into contention.
Ulva then took charge in the closing overs, with Venkata providing valuable support as India completed the remarkable chase on the final ball.
Meanwhile, Indian batter Kushagra Ojha said the team remained confident throughout the tournament despite suffering a narrow defeat against Pakistan in their second match. He credited the coaching staff for keeping the players motivated and preventing them from coming under pressure.
“We are very happy. Basically, this was the plan we had gone with. Even when we lost that second match by a narrow margin, our coaches told us not to take too much pressure. All the citizens of the country are very happy,” Ojha told IANS.
India’s dramatic triumph underlined the team’s resilience, composure and fighting spirit, as the young champions overcame a formidable Pakistani challenge to lift their ninth U19 Asia Cup trophy.
