India, Pakistan make dominant starts in U-19 Asia Cup

India and Pakistan opened their U-19 Asia Cup campaigns in emphatic fashion on Friday, registering massive victories in their respective matches in Dubai.

India crushed the United Arab Emirates by 234 runs at the ICC Academy Cricket Ground. After being sent in to bat, India posted a commanding 433 for 6, powered by a stunning innings from Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who blasted 171 off 95 balls after reaching his hundred in just 56 deliveries. Aaron George and Vihaan Malhotra added further strength to the total with 69 runs each.

In reply, the UAE never threatened the target. Prithvi Madhu scored 50 off 87 balls and Uddish Suri chipped in with 78, but India kept firm control throughout. Deepesh Devendran claimed two wickets as the hosts were restricted to 199 for 7, sealing India’s dominant 234-run victory.

At the Seven Stadium, Pakistan were equally ruthless, defeating Malaysia by a whopping 297 runs. After losing the toss, Pakistan openers Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan gave their side a strong platform. Sameer produced a superb innings of 177 off 148 balls, while middle-order batter Ahmed Hussain struck 132 off 114 deliveries, guiding Pakistan to an imposing 345 for 3 in 50 overs.

Malaysia faltered badly in the chase, bowled out for just 48 runs in 19.4 overs. Pakistan’s Ali Raza and Mohammad Sayyam each picked up three wickets as their side wrapped up one of the biggest wins of the tournament’s opening day.

Bangladesh will begin their Asia Cup title defence on Saturday when they face Afghanistan. Young captain Azizul Hakim Tamim and his team remain confident as they look to start their campaign on a winning note.