Ulva pulls off heist as India lift Under-19s Asia Cup after instant classic against Pakistan

This was the stuff of miracle, an instant India-Pakistan classic, bursting into life right when it seemed to be all over, like all the best cricket heists. Chasing 355 in the Under-19s Asia Cup final, India were 252 for 8 in the 42nd over. In a repeat match-up of last year's fixture, Pakistan were on the verge of defending their title. Then, No. 7 Manal Chauhan and No. 10 Mohit Ulva orchestrated an all-timer of a comeback, chasing down 87 off 51 with just two wickets to spare.

Pakistan's bowlers, who had been precise with their plans in hot and humid Al Amerat so far, erred in line and length as the sun went down. They kept feeding slot balls to the big-hitting pair of Chauhan and Ulva. The two put together a 57-run stand in just 5.5 overs, and even then, Pakistan had the upper hand when Chauhan fell on 47 off 32, with India still needing 29 off 16.

But in the company of No. 11 Chigurupati Venkata - playing his first game in this tournament - Ulva kept India in the hunt and drilled a drive over long-off to steal a last-ball one-wicket win, and the Asia Cup title, for his team.