U19 Asia Cup Final: Pakistan Outclass India With 191-run Victory

Pakistan produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat India by a massive 191 runs in the Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday. Chasing a daunting target of 348, India were bowled out for just 156 in 26.2 overs, never truly recovering from an early collapse. The victory handed Pakistan their first outright U-19 Asia Cup title and their first triumph in the tournament since sharing the trophy with India in 2013, marking a memorable moment for the young side.

India’s Chase Unravels Early

India began the chase with positive intent, scoring 32 runs in the first two overs and briefly raising hopes of a strong response. However, the momentum evaporated quickly as wickets fell in rapid succession. The top order crumbled under pressure, leaving India reeling at 49 for 3 within the first five overs.

Openers Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi departed cheaply, followed soon after by Aaron George, who also failed to convert his start. The early collapse left India with an uphill task, and the required run rate soon spiralled out of reach.

No Partnerships To Steady The Innings

With a steep target and little time, India needed meaningful partnerships, but none materialised. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained discipline and control, refusing to allow batters to settle at the crease. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and the innings never gained stability.

The highest partnership of the Indian innings came for the final wicket, with Deepesh Devendran and Kishan Singh adding 36 runs off just 18 balls. While the late resistance helped India cross the 150-run mark, it did little to alter the course of the match.

Pakistan Bowlers Deliver A Clinical Effort

Pakistan’s bowling attack executed its plans to perfection from the outset. Fast bowler Ali Raza was the standout performer, claiming four wickets and setting the tone with tight lines and controlled pace. His spell ensured that India could not rebuild after the initial setbacks.

Support came effectively from Mohammad Sayyam, Abdul Subhan and Huzaifa Ahsan, who picked up two wickets each. Together, the bowlers strangled India’s scoring options and capitalised on the mounting pressure.

Sameer Minhas Powers Pakistan To A Huge Total

Earlier in the day, Pakistan laid the foundation for victory with a formidable batting display. Opener Sameer Minhas once again showcased his exceptional talent, scoring a magnificent 172 off 113 deliveries. His innings was the backbone of Pakistan’s total of 347 for 8 in the 50 overs.

Minhas attacked from the outset, striking 17 boundaries and nine sixes in a commanding knock. He brought up his century off just 71 balls, underlining his dominance at the crease and ensuring India never found a way back into the contest.

Redemption After Group Stage Setback

The final carried added significance for Pakistan, who had lost to India by 90 runs in the group stage at the same venue. This time, however, they arrived better prepared and executed their plans with precision.

Pakistan entered the final after a convincing eight-wicket win over defending champions Bangladesh in the semi-final, and the confidence from that performance was evident in the title clash.

Minhas Bags Top Individual Honours

Sameer Minhas’ consistency throughout the tournament was duly recognised. He was named Player of the Match for his match-winning century and also received the Player of the Series award. His performances played a decisive role in Pakistan’s title-winning campaign and highlighted the depth of emerging talent in the squad.