Aaryavir Sehwag vs Ali Raza: India U19 Aim to Settle Scores Against Pakistan

India U19 Prepare for Pakistan Challenge as Aaryavir Sehwag-Ali Raza Battle Takes Centre Stage

India and Pakistan are set for another high-voltage encounter in the Under-19 Asia Cup when they meet in a Group A fixture on Sunday, November 8. While both sides have begun their campaigns with convincing victories, the clash will carry additional significance for India, who are eager to settle an old score against the defending champions.

One of the major attractions will be the anticipated contest between India’s young opener Aaryavir Sehwag and Pakistan’s pace spearhead Ali Raza. Aaryavir, son of former India opener Virender Sehwag, will be looking to continue his impressive form, while Ali will aim to reproduce the performance that troubled India’s batting line-up in last year’s final.

Pakistan defeated India by a massive 191 runs in the December 2025 Under-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai, securing their maiden title. The defeat remains a significant setback for India, who now have an opportunity to respond when the two teams meet in Oman.

Both teams have entered the tournament in impressive fashion. India, led by Lakshya Raichandani, thrashed Nepal by 10 wickets in their opening match on Friday. Pakistan, captained by Farhan Yousuf, also began their title defence with a comfortable nine-wicket victory over hosts UAE.

AARYAVIR SEHWAG MAKES AN IMPRESSIVE START

Aaryavir Sehwag made an immediate impact in India’s opening game, producing an unbeaten 70 from just 52 balls against Nepal. His innings featured seven fours and four sixes, demonstrating his ability to combine attacking strokeplay with effective shot selection.

The young batter played a key role in India’s successful chase of 129, which the team completed in just 19.1 overs without losing a wicket. Captain Lakshya Raichandani also contributed an unbeaten 53 off 63 deliveries as the opening pair guided India home comfortably.

However, Pakistan’s bowling attack will present a significantly different challenge, particularly with Ali Raza expected to test India’s top order.

ALI RAZA’S PREVIOUS PERFORMANCE AGAINST INDIA

Ali Raza was among Pakistan’s leading performers in the previous edition’s final. The fast bowler claimed four wickets for 42 runs, including the prized dismissal of India’s explosive opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who scored 26 off just 10 balls.

Ali also dismissed Ayush Mhatre, Kanishk Chouhan and Deepesh Devendran, playing a major role in Pakistan’s comprehensive victory.

His ability to generate pace and create pressure with the new ball could once again prove important. Aaryavir, meanwhile, will be eager to handle the challenge and establish himself against a formidable opposition.

PAKISTAN’S BATTING STRENGTH A MAJOR CONCERN FOR INDIA

Pakistan have also demonstrated considerable strength with the bat. Usman Khan was the star of their opening match against UAE, smashing an unbeaten 139 off 120 balls.

Pakistan successfully chased the target of 225 in 37.3 overs, with contributions from Jahangir Bilal and Abdul Qadir further strengthening their batting effort.

India will therefore need another disciplined bowling performance. Ishan Sood impressed against Nepal with figures of 3/18 in his 10 overs. Mohit Ulva will be expected to provide support with the new ball, while spinners Yashveer Goud and Arjun Rajput could play an important role during the middle overs.

With both teams carrying winning momentum, the encounter promises to be a closely watched contest. India will be determined to avenge last year’s final defeat, while Pakistan will look to maintain their dominance over their arch-rivals.

INDIA VS PAKISTAN U19 ASIA CUP: MATCH DETAILS

Match: India vs Pakistan, Under-19 Asia Cup, Group A

Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026

Start Time: 10:30 AM IST (9 AM local time)

Live Telecast: Sony Sports Network

Live Streaming: Sony LIV

INDIA AND PAKISTAN U19 SQUADS

India: Lakshya Raichandani (Captain), Aaryavir Sehwag, V.K. Vineeth, Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan (Vice-Captain), Kushagra Ojha, Arjun Rajput, Manal Chauhan, Anvay Dravid (WK), Rajat Baghel (WK), V. Yashveer, Aryan Savsani, Mohit Ulva, Kavya Patel, Shavin Vinod, Ishan Sood.

Pakistan: Farhan Yousuf (Captain), Abdul Qadir (WK), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza, Hamza Zahoor (WK), Hasnain Abbas Dar, Hayam Khan, Huzaifa Ahsan, Jahangir Bilal, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Seyam, Niqab Shafiq, Rizwanullah, Usman Khan.