On December 4, 2024, India U-19 faced off against the United Arab Emirates U-19 in a crucial encounter during the ACC U19 Asia Cup. The match, played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, had significant implications for both teams as they aimed to secure a spot in the semifinals of the tournament.

UAE, winning the toss, chose to bat first but found themselves under pressure early on. India’s bowlers, including Yudhajit Guha, Chetan Sharma, and Hardik Raj, delivered an exceptional performance, consistently picking up wickets and keeping the run rate under control. By the 24.5 over mark, UAE were reeling at 88/5.

The UAE’s batting lineup struggled, with key wickets falling at regular intervals. Opening batsman Akshat Rai top-scored with 26 runs off 52 balls, while the rest of the batting order failed to build any substantial partnerships. The pressure exerted by India’s bowlers and tight fielding made it difficult for UAE to accelerate their scoring.

India, on the other hand, demonstrated a well-balanced bowling attack, with Guha, Sharma, and Raj all contributing with key wickets. Guha took the important scalp of Aryan Saxena, while Sharma and Raj combined for three wickets. The match is seen as an important step for India, as they look to strengthen their position in the tournament.

For UAE, this match highlights the challenges they face against more seasoned teams like India. As the game progresses, the UAE will need to regroup and improve their batting performance to have a better chance in future contests.