India’s Under-19 Asia Cup win over Pakistan marred by post-match aggression

Detailed summary

India beat Pakistan by one wicket in a thrilling comeback in the final but follow it up with unsporting behaviour.

India have beaten Pakistan by one wicket in a nail-biting final of cricket’s Under-19 Asia Cup in Oman, but the comeback win was overshadowed by an on-field display of aggression and heated outbursts from the winning side.

The thrilling final on Saturday swayed between the two South Asian rivals before India scripted a last-ball win at the Oman Academy Cricket Ground in Al Amerat on the outskirts of the capital, Muscat.

Facing a steep target of 338 in the 50-over match, India staged a remarkable turnaround after slipping to 252-8 in the 42nd over as Manal Chauhan and Mohit Ulva rescued the run chase with a vital 57-run partnership for the ninth wicket.

The pair’s heroics gave India a record-extending ninth Under-19 Asia Cup title and their first one since 2021.

However, the winning side’s post-match celebrations quickly took an ugly turn as the players seemed to target Pakistan’s players with aggressive gestures that were later condemned by former cricketers and Indian fans on social media.

One Indian player was seen yelling and gesticulating angrily in the face of Pakistan wicketkeeper Hamza Zahoor, who did not respond to the aggression. Others kicked their legs in the direction of the Pakistan dressing room while the Indian team management tried to hold back the players.

India were lauded for their never-say-die spirit that saw them through but faced criticism for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Former Pakistan cricket captain Mohammad Yousuf emphasised the weight players carry when they step onto the pitch.

“You are not just representing your country. In fact, you are representing your upbringing, the values and the ethics your parents taught you as a child,” he wrote in a post on X.

Opening of the article, excerpted from Al Jazeera. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.