'I had belief in God' - Mohit Ulva reacts after memorable U19 Asia Cup win over Pakistan

India found an unlikely hero in the final of the ACC U19 Men's Asia Cup against Pakistan in Oman on Saturday, as No. 10 batter Mohit Ulva smashed the final ball of the match for a boundary to secure a remarkable victory in what had seemed an unwinnable situation for India.

Chasing 338, India were reduced to 252 for 8 in 41.3 overs, and their hopes of lifting the trophy appeared to be fading rapidly. However, Mohit stitched together a crucial 57-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Manal Chauhan to bring India back into contention.

Needing three runs off the final delivery, Mohit launched leg-spinner Ahmed Hussain wide of long-off for a boundary, sealing the title for the Boys in Blue. He finished unbeaten on 49 off 26 balls, striking five fours and three sixes, and was named Player of the Match.

"I just had belief in myself. I had faith in God," Ulva said after the match. "The Asia Cup hadn't been that great for me as a bowler. But I believe I am an all-rounder. Until now, I hadn't got the opportunity to prove it.

"But I had belief in myself that I could do it. I needed Manal's support and the way he came in and built the momentum before me. I just had to go out there and deliver."

Reflecting on the final-ball finish, Ulva added: "I knew I would hit a boundary and finish the game. I had faith in God.

"I knew it was my day and that I would finish it. I always believe that I can get the job done in the end."

Ulva also thanked his batting partners, Manal Chauhan (47 off 32) and Chigurupati Venkata (11* off 8), for their support and encouragement during the tense chase.

"The belief Venkata gave me was special. He told me, 'I'll stay here, and you just go and finish the game,'" Ulva said. "Manal also gave me confidence. He told me that if we took the game to the last ball, we would win it. I had that same belief in myself. If I was there till the final delivery, I would finish the game."

With the victory, India registered the highest successful run chase in Youth ODI history, surpassing their previous best of 321 against Sri Lanka U19 in Hambantota on July 4, 2026. Ulva revealed that the mood in the dressing room during the innings break remained upbeat, with the team fully backing its batting strength.

"It was very simple. The discussion in the dressing room was that if they could score that many runs, we could do it too," Ulva said. "We had faith in our batting because we know how strong it is. We knew it was a flat wicket, and if we kept wickets in hand, it would happen."