Arjun Rajput's maiden hundred lifts India U19 to 208 against Pakistan after a top-order collapse

Arjun Rajput’s maiden youth ODI century hauled India’s under-19 side from a top-order collapse to 208 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Group A match at Al Amerat, Oman, on Sunday. Pakistan began their chase of 209 in the afternoon.

India won the toss and chose to bat, with captain Lakshya Raichandani saying the pitch looked good and the side wanted “to put a good total and put them under pressure”. The plan fell apart early. Raichandani was bowled for a duck by Ali Raza in the first over, VK Vineeth made 8, Yashbardhan Chauhan fell for 1, and India were 22 for 3 before the 12th over.

Raza finished with 3 for 37 and Niqab Shafiq took 3 for 42, including Aaryavir Sehwag for 22 and Anvay Dravid for 10. Rizwanullah also took three wickets and Mohammad Sayyam one.

The rescue

Rajput walked in at 22 for 3 and played a counter-attacking innings of 107 off 85 balls, with 11 fours and five sixes. He reached his hundred in 80 balls. He added a stand with Manal Chauhan, who made 11, and kept India alive while wickets fell around him. Kavya Paresh Patel, with 23 off 45 balls, was the only other batter to pass 22.

Rajput was out in the 36th over, caught by Pakistan captain Farhan Yousuf off Rizwanullah, with India at about 170. The last wickets went quickly and the innings closed in 46.3 overs.

What it means

Both sides arrived unbeaten, with India having beaten Nepal by 10 wickets and Pakistan the UAE by nine wickets. Only the top two teams in the group go through to the semi-finals, so the result will largely settle Group A. India meet the UAE on November 10 to finish their group games.

This story will be updated when the result is known.