Aaron shines as India defeat Pakistan by 90 runs in U-19 Asia Cup clash

India outclassed Pakistan in their U-19 Asia Cup encounter on Sunday, defeating their arch-rivals by 90 runs in the match held at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai.

Asked to bat first, India were bowled out for 240 in 46.1 overs as a disciplined bowling and fielding effort from Pakistan paved off. Hyderabad-based Malayali batter Aaron George Varghese top-scored with 85, helping India post a competitive total. In reply, Pakistan were bundled out for 150 in 41.2 overs.

The build-up to the match followed a familiar script, with both captains- India's Ayush Mhatre and Pakistan's Farhan Yousaf- opting not to shake hands, adhering to the no-handshake policy when the neighbours face each other.

Pakistan skipper Farhan opted to bowl first, placing his faith in his bowlers, and they justified the decision by dismissing India for 240. Pakistani bowlers' efforts paid off early when Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the centurion from India's previous match against the UAE, was dismissed in the third over.

Suryavanshi struggled to find his usual rhythm on the pitch and lost momentum against the probing Pakistan attack. He managed a boundary and a single to move to five before a well-directed delivery from Mohammad Sayyam caught him off guard, resulting in a simple return catch and the end of his innings.

After he was dismissed, Aaron and skipper Ayush stitched together a 49-run stand for the second wicket. Mhatre struck three sixes and attacked the bowlers, while Aaron took time to settle, providing stability at the other end. Mahtre made 38 runs. 

After the skipper's dismissal, Aaron received only brief support from the remaining batters. However, in the fifth-wicket partnership with Abhigyan A Kundu, he added a crucial 60 runs that proved vital for India. Kundu contributed 22 before being dismissed, and Aaron followed soon after.

Aaron scored 85 runs before being caught by Farhan Yousaf off the bowling of Abdul Subhan.

Following Aaron's departure, Kanishk Chouhan played a key role in pushing India to a competitive total. Chouhan struck 46 off as many balls before falling to Ahmed Hussain. After his dismissal, Pakistan wrapped up the Indian innings swiftly, bowling them out in 46.1 overs. 

For Pakistan, Mohammad Sayyam and Abdul Subhan took three wickets each.

However, Pakistan's batting order crumbled against India, with none of the top-order batters making a significant impact. The lone resistance came from Huzaifa Ahsan, who fought back with a well-made 70 off 83 balls.

Pakistan's collapse was evident as only three batters managed to reach double figures. Apart from Ahsan, opener Usman Khan scored 16, while skipper Farhan Yousaf contributed 23.

For India, Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chouhan picked up three wickets each, while Vaibhav Suryavanshi chipped in with one wicket.