India U19 Begin Asia Cup With 10-Wicket Rout of Nepal, Pakistan Clash Next

India's Under-19 team began its Asia Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, registering a commanding 10-wicket victory over Nepal in their Group A opener at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman.

After opting to bowl, India's disciplined bowling attack bundled out Nepal for just 128 runs, with Ishan Sood and Arjun Rajput claiming three wickets each to put their side firmly in control.

Sood struck early, picking up three crucial wickets to derail Nepal's innings, before Rajput strengthened India's grip with another three-wicket haul. The Indian bowlers maintained pressure throughout, restricting Nepal to a modest total.

India's openers then made light work of the chase, reaching the target without losing a wicket and finishing the match in fewer than 20 overs.

Aaryavir Sehwag led the charge with an unbeaten 70 off just 52 balls, striking seven fours and four sixes. Captain Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani provided equally valuable support, scoring a half-century as the pair guided India to a comprehensive victory.

The emphatic opening win gives India an early boost in the tournament as attention turns to their much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on November 8.

Defending champions Pakistan also began their campaign against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Batting first, the UAE posted 224 runs, setting Pakistan a challenging target in their opening Group A fixture.

With both teams looking to establish themselves early in the competition, the upcoming India-Pakistan encounter promises to be one of the biggest attractions of the tournament, which runs through mid-November.