India surprised after reaching the final undefeated; History of opener Sameer Minhas’ scripts
Pakistani players celebrate with the trophy after defeating India in the U-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai. Photo: NNI
Pakistan’s U-19 team provided a night to remember, overcoming arch-rivals India with a resounding 191-run victory in the U-19 Asia Cup final at the ICC Academy Ground on Sunday, creating history and sparking jubilant celebrations across the nation.
The record-breaking batting masterclass, followed by a ruthless display of nerves from the teenage veterans that turned the high-stakes contest into a one-sided spectacle, as the Green Shirts undoubtedly lifted the prestigious title.
The tone was set by opener Sameer Minhas, who played a single innings in a tournament to propel Pakistan to a commanding 347 for 8 after being put into bat.
India, undefeated on their way to the final and heavy favorites after defeating Pakistan in the group stage, had no answers once the momentum shifted.
Sameer anchored the innings with a magnificent 172 off 113 balls, hitting 17 fours and nine sixes. He laid a solid foundation before accelerating through the middles, including vital partnerships with Usman Khan (35, 45b, 3x4s, 1×6) and Ahmed Hussain (56, 45b, 3x4s, 1×6) to put Pakistan firmly in command.
India’s chase collapsed dramatically when the batting line-up was reduced to just 156 in 26.2 overs and pacer Ali Raza broke the order with figures of 4 for 42.
The win had a special advantage as Pakistan had been badly beaten by India in the group stage and reached the final as underdogs against an unbeaten opponent.
However, on the most important day, the roles were reversed, with Pakistan clinical in every aspect, while a crumbling India, unable to recover once the momentum changed decisively.
India captain Ayush Mhatre won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping an early assist would control Pakistan’s score. Instead, Sameer launched a fierce attack. After Hamza Zahoor fell for 18, he combined dominant positions – 92 for the second wicket with Usman Khan (35) and 137 for the third with Ahmed Hussain (56) – to take complete control.
The right-hander reached his century in just 71 balls and accelerated relentlessly, racing to 172 off 113 deliveries, an innings packed with 17 fours and nine sixes.
His dismissal in the 43rd over, fooled by a slower ball from Deepesh Devendran, sparked a late cluster of wickets (five fell for 45 runs) that denied Pakistan a late charge towards 400.
Still, his total remained the highest ever recorded in an Under-19 Asia Cup final. Khilan Patel (2 for 44) and Devendran (3 for 83) were the most effective among the Indian bowlers.
Chasing a towering 348, India started with brief fireworks. Vaibhav Suryavanshi bowled a fierce opening against Ali Raza, helping India reach 21 in the first over, and followed it up with an impressive 26 off 10 balls that included three sixes and a four. The resistance was short-lived.
The introduction of spin and a disciplined rhythm gave a decisive turn to the competition. Captain Mhatre (2) holed out to mid-on, Aaron George (16 for 9) missed a pull and Suryavanshi fell behind as India fell to 49 for 3 in the fifth over.
From there, the collapse accelerated. Vihaan Malhotra (7) was bowled while attempting a hasty delivery from Abdul Subhan, Vedant Trivedi (9) chose short midfield and Abhigyan Kundu (13) made a top cut to deep third.
Kanishk Chouhan (9) and Khilan Patel (19) offered fleeting resistance but regular breakthroughs kept India firmly on the back foot.
Further down the order, Deepesh Devendran provided late entertainment with a quickfire 36 off 16 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes.
His dismissal, after taking a catch to mark Ali Raza, extinguished any hope. Subhan (2 for 29) and Huzaifa Ahsan (2 for 12) contributed effectively, while Mohammad Sayyam supported with 2 for 38, as India’s innings doubled in 27 overs.
India were bowled out for 156 in 26.2 overs, underlining the authority of Pakistan’s bowling and their excellent fielding after the break. The margin of 191 runs was the biggest victory in an Under-19 Asia Cup final, completing a complete rout.
As the final wicket fell, Man of the Match Sameer was hoisted on the shoulders of his teammates amid scenes of unbridled joy, while India, unbeaten until the final, lamented a day when little went right.
Proud Green Shirt Nation
The historic victory provoked warm praise from the country’s leaders. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday congratulated the Pakistan cricket team and the nation for winning the Under-19 Asia Cup and said the players had performed excellently.
“Pakistani players created history by defeating India in the final,” he said, adding, “The entire nation is proud of these young players.”
“The U-19 team will certainly make the country’s name shine on the world stage in the future as well,” the Prime Minister said.
“I pay tribute to the entire team management including Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi,” he added.
President Asif Ali Zardari also congratulated the Pakistan U-19 cricket team for winning the Asia Cup and said the brilliant victory in the final against India was a testament to the hard work, discipline and determination of the young players.
“The success of the Under-19 team is a source of pride and joy for the entire nation,” he added, appreciating the collective performance of the captain, the players and the cricket board.
“This victory for the young players is a ray of hope for upcoming international competitions,” he said.
The president praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for sponsoring young talents. “The efforts of PCB president Mohsin Naqvi and the coaching staff are commendable,” he said, adding, “The prayers and support of the nation are with the young players.”
Fresh from their title-winning campaign and buoyed by nationwide celebrations, the victorious Pakistan Under-19 cricket team arrived home after midnight to a warm and jubilant reception, marking the return of a team that has lifted the national spirit with its emphatic success.
The young champions landed at New Islamabad International Airport aboard a special Pakistan International Airlines flight, sparking scenes of celebration as fans and officials gathered to welcome the team back home.
The team arrived on PIA flight PK-212, which took the players directly to the capital after their triumphant departure. Upon arrival, the players were greeted with flower petals in their honor.
