In a nail-biting climax to the Under-19 Asia Cup final in Oman on Saturday, Mohit Ulva hit a last-ball four to secure a memorable victory for India over rivals Pakistan. Coming in at number 10, Ulva was pivotal in a tense chase that saw India lifting the trophy in an electrifying finish.
Needing three runs off the final delivery, Ulva stepped up and skillfully placed leg-spinner Ahmed Hussain’s delivery past mid-off to seal the win. Reflecting on his innings, Ulva said, “I just had belief in myself. I had belief in God. The Asia Cup hadn’t been that great for me as a bowler. But I believe in myself as an all-rounder.”
India faced a steep target with 86 required from the last 51 balls and two wickets in hand when Ulva entered in the 42nd over. His partnership with Manal Chauhan added 57 runs, keeping India in the hunt. Chauhan’s dismissal left India needing 29 from 16, but Ulva rose to the challenge, dispatching the ball to the boundary in crucial moments.
Recounting those tense final moments, Ulva shared, “I knew it was my day, and I’ll finish it. I always believe that I will do it in the end.” This belief was bolstered by teammates, especially Venkata, who played a supporting role. “The belief Venkata gave me was significant,” Ulva added. “He told me to go finish the game.”
The chase itself was a daunting one, with India eyeing a target that had not been achieved in Youth ODIs before. Yet, Ulva described the dressing room atmosphere as optimistic. “We had faith in our batting because we knew it was a flat wicket,” he explained.
India’s opening batters laid a solid foundation. Aaryavir Sehwag’s 61-ball 58 set the tone, while captain Lakshya Raichandani’s steady 80 anchored the innings before a middle-order wobble. “The way Lakshya set the innings, it’s unfortunate he got out,” said Ulva.
Manal Chauhan played a crucial role, and he was visibly emotional after his innings of 47 ended at a precarious juncture. “Opportunities like this are rare,” he admitted, appreciating Ulva’s composure in the final over. “He only said that we can finish, just trust your process,” Manal recalled.
Raichandani remained positive throughout what he described as a “rollercoaster” match, having full faith in his team’s depth. Sehwag, still marvelling at the victory, summed it up simply: “A miracle.”
India’s successful chase was as much about teamwork and self-belief as it was about individual performances, crowned by Ulva’s extraordinary final over finish.
