Mohit Ulva kept his cool when it mattered most. With India needing three runs off the final ball against Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup final, the 18-year-old right-hand batter smashed leg-spinner Ahmed Hussain wide of long-off for a boundary to script a stunning one-wicket victory and bring the trophy back to India.Chasing a daunting 338, India were staring at defeat at 252 for eight in the 42nd over. But Ulva and Manal Chauhan turned the contest around with a courageous 57-run partnership for the ninth wicket. While Manal contributed 47 off 32 balls, Ulva remained unbeaten on 49 off just 26 deliveries, taking responsibility for the tense final stages of the chase.After Manal’s dismissal at 302, India still needed 36 runs with just one wicket in hand. Ulva then found an equally determined partner in No. 11 C Venkata, who made an unbeaten 11 off eight balls. The duo brought the equation down to eight runs off the final over before Ulva delivered the decisive blow on the last ball.But who is the teenager who emerged as India’s unlikely hero on the biggest stage?
From tennis-ball cricket in his village to India’s U-19 team
An 18-year-old right-arm medium pacer and right-hand batter, Ulva’s cricketing journey began with tennis-ball cricket in his village. His father, who works with the Railway Protection Force, recognised his potential and encouraged him to pursue the sport through formal academy training.Ulva subsequently joined the Cricket Bungalow in Jamnagar, where he trained under Mahendrasinh Chauhan, the coach who also guided India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
From off-spin to fast bowling
Interestingly, Ulva did not begin his cricketing journey as a fast bowler. He initially trained as an off-spinner. However, Chauhan spotted an opportunity to develop another aspect of his game.Considering Ulva’s lean physique and ability to run well, the coach suggested that he try fast bowling. That advice eventually helped shape him into a right-arm medium pacer.Ulva progressed through Saurashtra’s age-group cricket system before earning his place in the India Under-19 squad.
A match-winning moment against Pakistan
The Asia Cup final could well prove to be a defining moment in Ulva’s young career. Ulva’s match-winning effort came after India were pushed to the brink of defeat in their chase of Pakistan’s 338-run target. The opening pair of Aaryavir Sehwag (58) and captain Lakshya Raichandani (80) added 95 runs, but a middle-order collapse left India struggling at 252 for eight in the 42nd over.With Pakistan closing in on victory, Ulva joined Manal Chauhan at the crease and the duo produced a remarkable fightback. Their 57-run partnership for the ninth wicket kept India’s hopes alive, with Manal scoring 47 off 32 balls and Ulva contributing 49 not out off just 26 deliveries.Manal did much of the running between the wickets during their crucial stand before departing at 302, leaving India needing 36 runs with just one wicket remaining. Ulva then found support from No. 11 C Venkata (11 not out off eight balls), and the pair brought the equation down to eight runs off the final over.With three runs needed off the last delivery, Ulva smashed Pakistan leg-spinner Ahmed Hussain wide of long-off for a boundary to seal India’s stunning one-wicket victory and U-19 Asia Cup title.
