Rajat Baghel reflects on India's one-wicket victory over Pakistan in the U-19 Asia Cup final, describing the team's emotional response to an earlier tournament defeat.
At Al Amarat in Oman on November 14, 2026, India U19 chased down Pakistan U19's total of 337 for 9 in a thrilling final that came down to the last ball. Pakistan's innings was built on strong individual contributions: Usman Khan struck 107 off 111 balls with 11 fours, Abdul Qadir made 80 off 54 balls including 8 sixes, and Farhan Yousaf contributed 63 off 60 balls with 4 boundaries and 3 sixes.
India's opening pair provided early momentum in the chase. Lakshya Raichandani scored 80 off 101 balls with 5 fours while Aaryavir Sehwag made 58 off 61 balls with 9 fours, combining for a 95-run stand. However, the middle order collapsed to 252 for 8, leaving India in serious trouble before a crucial recovery partnership turned the match around.
"It was a very special feeling. When we lost earlier on Diwali, our Diwali was ruined, so this was a good comeback. It was the final match, so we just had to win. Our team believed in every single player that we could do it until the very last ball," Baghel was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.
Manal Chauhan and Mohit Ulva orchestrated India's remarkable recovery with a 67-run partnership. Chauhan scored 47 off 32 balls with 3 fours and 3 sixes, while Ulva remained unbeaten on 49 off 26 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes. Chigurupati Venkata contributed 11 not out in the final moments as India sealed victory with the last ball remaining.
"There was a lot of satisfaction, and we enjoyed it very much because they were doing a lot on the field, so we gave them a fitting reply," Baghel said.
Baghel also addressed the celebrations after the final-ball victory, claiming that Pakistan's players had initiated the exchange during the previous encounter and that India's response was not unprovoked.
"Regarding the celebration, they started it first in the previous match. Maybe it wasn't caught on camera, but we wouldn't have done it unless someone else acted like that first," he added.
After India's memorable title triumph, Baghel dedicated the victory to the people and organisations that support the country's grassroots and domestic cricket structure.
"We dedicate this win to all our support staff, the BCCI, and everyone running domestic cricket in India," Baghel said.