‘Pakistan is now a soft target’: Sanjay Manjrekar questions India’s aggressive celebrations after thrilling U-19 Asia Cup final win | Cricket News

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar took a swipe at the Indian Under-19 team’s aggressive celebrations following their dramatic one-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup final on Saturday, suggesting that the young Indian players should pick opponents of their own size if they wanted to display aggression on the field.India pulled off a remarkable last-ball victory to reclaim the Under-19 Asia Cup title, chasing down a daunting target of 338 to beat Pakistan by one wicket in a thrilling final. The victory, however, was accompanied by an animated celebration from the Indian players, which caught Manjrekar’s attention.

Taking to X, the former India batter appeared to question the manner in which the young Indian team celebrated against Pakistan, describing the neighbouring country as a ‘soft and easy target’.“Indian cricket should now pick guys of their own size if they want to show ‘aggression’ on the field. Pak is now a soft & easy target.I suggest Aus, SA, NZ & Eng…” Majrekar posted.The remarks came after India’s dramatic victory, which was built on an extraordinary lower-order fightback after the team found itself in deep trouble during the chase.Defending champions Pakistan looked firmly in control when India slipped to 252/8 in the 42nd over while chasing 338. However, Manal Chauhan and Mohit Ulva turned the contest around with a crucial 57-run partnership for the ninth wicket.Manal scored 47 off 32 balls before departing with India still needing 36 runs with just one wicket remaining. Mohit, however, continued the fight, finding an unlikely partner in No. 11 C Venkata, who contributed an unbeaten 11 off eight deliveries.With eight runs required in the final over, the equation eventually came down to three off the last ball. Mohit kept his composure and smashed leg-spinner Ahmed Hussain wide of long-off for a boundary to seal India’s title triumph.Mohit finished unbeaten on 49 off just 26 deliveries, while Manal’s contribution proved equally crucial in India’s stunning recovery.Earlier, skipper Lakshya Raichandani (80) and Aaryavir Sehwag (58) had provided India with a strong start, adding 95 runs for the opening wicket. But the dismissals of Sehwag, Raichandani and Anvay Dravid left India struggling before the lower order produced a remarkable turnaround.Pakistan had posted 337/9, courtesy of a century from Usman Khan (107) and a fluent 80 from Abdul Qadir. Captain Farhan Yousaf also chipped in with 60, while Kavya Patel claimed four wickets for India.The victory handed India the Under-19 Asia Cup title in dramatic fashion, but the celebrations also prompted a pointed reaction from Manjrekar on social media.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com