Malaysia u19

The Malaysia Cricket Association: Malaysia captain Deaaz Patro isn't losing sleep over the prospect of facing powerhouses India and Pakistan in the upcoming Men’s U19 Asia Cup, which starts in the UAE on Friday. His strategy is simple: block out the noise, focus on the contest, and take it one ball at a time.

"We agree that India and Pakistan are both very big teams in the cricketing world. But when we enter the field, we focus on the bowler and batsman. We just try to focus on one ball at a time instead of thinking about the result," Patro said in an exclusive conversation with IANS, facilitated by Sony Sports Network, ahead of Malaysia's fifth U19 Asia Cup appearance.

Following their clash against Pakistan on Friday, Malaysia will face the UAE on December 14, before taking on a formidable India on December 16. For Patro and vice-captain Muhammad Aalif, the tournament represents both a significant challenge and an important opportunity following their team's third-place finish in the ACC U19 Men's Premier Cup 2025 – a result that secured their spot in the Asia Cup.