The 2024 U19 Asia Cup is turning out to be a stage for young stars to shine, and none have shone brighter than Mohammad Amaan. As the captain of the Indian U19 team, Amaan delivered a stellar performance against Japan, smashing an unbeaten 122 to guide his team to a dominant victory. His innings not only helped India bounce back from their opening loss but also etched his name into the record books.
India’s Match Against Japan
India entered their second game in the U19 Asia Cup with determination after a tough defeat to Pakistan. Facing Japan, a relatively inexperienced side, the Indian team seized the opportunity to regain momentum. Batting first, India piled up a mammoth 339-6, thanks to contributions from the top order and an explosive finish by the lower middle order.
Japan’s chase faltered early, and their innings ended at 128-8, handing India a massive 211-run victory and a crucial net run-rate boost.
Amaan’s Spectacular Innings
Mohammad Amaan’s unbeaten 122 was a masterclass in pacing an innings. Coming in at a critical juncture, he stabilized the innings and built partnerships that laid the foundation for a massive total. His partnerships with Ayush Mhatre (54) and Karthikeya KP (57) were pivotal, as was Hardik Raj’s late flourish with 25 off just 12 balls.
Historical Context
Amaan’s 122 is now the joint second-highest score by an Indian U19 captain in ODIs, alongside Unmukt Chand’s innings. The record for the highest score remains with Vijay Zol, who scored 128 in 2013. Amaan’s knock, however, stands out for its maturity and impact in a pressure situation.
India’s Bowling Domination
India’s bowlers put on a clinic against Japan. Chetan Sharma, Hardik Raj, and Karthikeya claimed two wickets each, while Yudhajit Guha delivered a stunning spell, conceding just nine runs in seven overs. Their disciplined performance ensured that Japan never came close to posing a threat.
Top 10 Highest U19 ODI Scores by Indian Captains
| Player | Highest Score | Against | Venue | Year |
| Vijay Zol | 128 | New Zealand U19 | Darwin | 2013 |
| Unmukt Chand | 122* | Sril Lanka Under-19 | Visakhapatnam | 2011 |
| Mohammad Amaan | 122* | Japan Under-19 | Sharjah | 2024 |
| Unmukt Chand | 121 | Pakistan Under-19 | Kuala Lumpur | 2012 |
| Unmukt Chand | 116 | Sri Lanka Under-19 | Kuala Lumpur | 2012 |
| Unmukt Chand | 112* | Australia Under-19 | Townsville | 2012 |
| Uday Saharan | 112 | South Africa Under-19 | Johannesburg | 2024 |
| Unmukt Chand | 111* | Australia Under-19 | Townsville | 2012 |
| Priyam Garg | 110 | South Africa Under-19 | Durban | 2020 |
| Yash Dhull | 110 | Australia Under-19 | Coolidge | 2022 |
India’s Comeback in the Tournament
This victory was more than just two points; it was a statement. After the loss to Pakistan, the team needed a boost in confidence, and this comprehensive win provided exactly that. The net run-rate gained could also prove crucial in the later stages of the tournament.
While the win against Japan was impressive, tougher challenges await. Teams like Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are known for their competitive edge in U19 cricket, and India will need to bring their A-game to overcome them.
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