U19 Asia Cup final: India vs Pakistan - War of words as Ali Raza gives fiery send-off to Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Tempers flared during the initial overs of India's run chase against Pakistan in the U19 Asia Cup final. Chasing a steep target of 348, India got off to a flier with 20 runs off the very first over bowled by Ali Raza. However, Pakistan's speedster responded by taking the big wicket of captain Ayush Mhatre and then dislodged the deadly Vaibhav Suryavanshi as well.

Mhatre's wicket was a mistimed lofted drive as he failed to clear mid-off with the stroke. On the other hand, Suryavanshi fell to a pacy good length delivery that angled across to find the edge of his flashing blade. There was nothing common in their mode of dismissals but the common factor was in Raza's aggression. 

Pakistan's spearhead was breathing fire as he kept making aggressive gestures and allegedly hurling abuses at both the Indian openers. Mhatre, the first to depart, instantly retorted and took a few steps back to exchange stares at Raza. There was also a front-foot check for no ball but Raza just about managed to escape that. Once it was cleared, Raza let out another roar.

When Suryavanshi was dismissed, there was more sledging from Raza and the left-hander was also triggered, like his captain. Suryavanshi also made some gestures with his hand, before walking away disappointed. Clearly, there was a lot of spice around this fixture, as there always is in India-Pakistan games. 

The Pahalgam attacks in April 2025 have escalated the already escalated political tensions between the neighbouring countries, and it was first on view during the senior men's Asia Cup in September this year. There have been no handshakes since then between the two sides, and on-field aggression has also hit a different wavelength.