India U-19’s 43-run defeat to Pakistan in the Youth Asia Cup was marked by struggles from key players, including Vaibhav Suryavanshi, whose issues with seam bowling were evident. Suryavanshi, a highly rated prospect, managed just 1 run as Pakistan’s medium pacers Ali Raza and Abdul Subhan troubled him. Despite high expectations, the 13-year-old’s inconsistency at the U-19 international level was clear. His Rajasthan Royals signing for Rs 1.10 crore highlights the pressure on him, but his performance suggests he still has much work to do.Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s poor performance contributed to India’s 43-run loss to Pakistan.
Pakistan posted 281/7, largely thanks to a blistering 159 from Shahzaib Khan, who hit 10 sixes. India’s response never seemed likely, as they were bowled out for 238 in 47.1 overs. Ayush Mhatre (20) and C Andre Siddarth (15) also struggled, and while Mhatre showed promise with his touch and range, he couldn’t carry the team. Suryavanshi’s feet didn’t move well against Raza’s full delivery, and he was caught behind.
The biggest disappointment was captain Mohammed Amman, who struggled to 16 off 43 balls, halting India’s momentum. Nikhil Kumar’s 67 was the only bright spot in an otherwise lackluster performance.Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s poor performance contributed to India’s 43-run loss to Pakistan.
In the bowling department, India depended on their spinners, Mohammed Ennan and Hardik Raj. Ennan had a tough outing, with many of his deliveries dispatched for sixes. Mhatre (2/30) had to step in, but by then, Shahzaib’s explosive knock had set a target too big for India to chase. The result was a disappointing loss, with 280-plus proving to be a winning total at the U-19 level.
