Pakistan Under-19s beat India by three wickets to reach the semi-finals of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup, riding on an unbeaten century from wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor at the Al Amerat Cricket Stadium in Oman on Sunday.

Chasing 209, Pakistan slipped to 61 for 5 before Zahoor steadied the innings, finishing on 100 not out off 108 balls with ten boundaries and three sixes. He hit the winning boundary to bring up his hundred and seal the match, with Pakistan reaching the target with 11 balls to spare. Hasnain Abbas Dar supported him with 38 off 67 balls in a crucial sixth-wicket stand that revived the chase.

India had earlier been bowled out for 208 in 46.3 overs after being asked to bat first. Arjun Rajput led their innings with 107 off 85 balls, including 11 fours and five sixes, but Pakistan’s bowlers kept striking at the other end. Ali Raza, Rizwanullah and Niqab Shafiq claimed three wickets each, with Rizwanullah conceding only 24 runs in seven overs and Ali Raza returning figures of 3 for 37.

It was Pakistan’s second successive victory in Group A, confirming their place in the last four. The defending champions are yet to face Nepal in the group stage. After the match, Zahoor revealed a note he had written to himself before the game: “Tomorrow’s match 50 inshallah, Hamza Zahoor, I am the best.”

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