Pakistan claimed the Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup title with a dominant 191-run victory over India in the final at the ICC Academy, Dubai, after producing a comprehensive all-round performance on Sunday.
Chasing a challenging target of 348 runs, India were bowled out for 156 in 26.2 overs as Pakistan’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings.
Pakistan bowlers dismantle India’s chase
India’s reply began unevenly, with opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi adding quick runs early before the dismissal of captain Ayush Mhatre in the fourth over. Ali Raza provided the breakthrough, followed by Mohammad Sayyam removing Aaron George shortly afterward.
Pakistan tightened their grip when Raza dismissed Suryavanshi, leaving India struggling at 49 for three. The left-hander scored a brisk 26 off 10 balls, including three sixes, but his departure triggered a steady fall of wickets.
Despite a late counterattack from Deepesh Devendran, who scored 36 off 16 deliveries, India failed to build any substantial partnerships and were dismissed well short of the target.
Raza leads Pakistan’s bowling attack
Ali Raza emerged as Pakistan’s most effective bowler, claiming four wickets for 42 runs in 6.2 overs. Abdul Subhan, Mohammad Sayyam, and Huzaifa Ahsan supported him with two wickets each to complete the rout.
Minhas powers shaheens to imposing total
Earlier, Pakistan posted a formidable 347 for eight after being sent in to bat. Opener Sameer Minhas anchored the innings with a commanding century, laying the foundation for the title-winning total.
Pakistan made a steady start before losing Hamza Zahoor early. Minhas then built a strong partnership with Usman Khan, who contributed 35 runs, followed by a major stand with Ahmed Hussain.
Key partnerships shape innings
Minhas and Ahmed Hussain added 137 runs for the third wicket, with Hussain scoring 56 off 73 balls. Minhas continued to dominate the bowling and later shared another useful partnership with captain Farhan Yousaf.
The opener eventually fell for a career-defining 172 off 113 balls, featuring 17 fours and nine sixes, making him the highest scorer of the match.
Late wickets but green shirts finish strongly
Following Minhas’s dismissal, Pakistan lost several wickets in quick succession. However, late contributions from Mohammad Sayyam and Niqab Shafiq ensured the team crossed the 340-run mark.
For India, Deepesh Devendran took three wickets but conceded runs, while Henil Patel and Khilan Patel claimed two each.
Pakistan’s commanding batting display followed by disciplined bowling sealed a comprehensive victory and secured the U19 Asia Cup title.
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