India stunned after entering final undefeated; Script history of opener Sameer Minhas
Pakistani players celebrate with the trophy after beating India in the U-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai. Photo: NNI
Pakistan Under-19s delivered a night to remember, beating their arch rivals India with a thumping 191-run win in the U-19 Asia Cup final at the ICC Academy ground on Sunday, creating history and sparking jubilant celebrations across the country.
The record-breaking batting masterclass, followed by merciless bowling from the teenagers’ display of veteran nerves that turned the high-stakes competition into a one-sided spectacle, as the Green Shirts undoubtedly won the prestigious title.
The tone was set by opener Sameer Minhas, who played a unique innings in a tournament to propel Pakistan to an imposing 347 for 8 after being put into bat.
India, undefeated heading into the final and heavy favorites after beating Pakistan in the group stage, had no answer once the momentum shifted.
Sameer anchored the innings with a magnificent 172 from 113 balls, hitting 17 fours and nine sixes. He laid a solid foundation before accelerating to the middle overs, including vital partnerships with Usman Khan (35, 45b, 3×4, 1×6) and Ahmed Hussain (56, 45b, 3x4s, 1×6) to put Pakistan firmly in the driving seat.
India’s chase collapsed spectacularly as the batting line-up was reduced to just 156 in 26.2 overs and pacer Ali Raza tore up the order with figures of 4 for 42.
This triumph had a particular advantage as Pakistan had been heavily beaten by India in the group stage and entered the final as underdogs against an undefeated opponent.
However, on the most important day, the roles were reversed: Pakistan looked clinical in all areas, while India, in shambles, could not get back up once the momentum shifted decisively.
Indian captain Ayush Mhatre won the toss and elected to bowl, hoping that an early assist would check Pakistan’s score. Instead, Sameer launched a fierce assault. After Hamza Zahoor fell for 18, he assembled towering stands – 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, reaching 172 off 113 deliveries, an innings studded with 17 fours and nine sixes.
His dismissal in the 43rd over, deceived by a slower ball from Deepesh Devendran, sparked a late cluster of wickets – five falling for 45 runs – that denied Pakistan a late charge towards 400.
Their total, however, remains the highest ever recorded in a U-19 Asian 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 began with a brief display of fireworks. Vaibhav Suryavanshi bowled a fierce opener against Ali Raza, helping India reach 21 in the first over, and followed it with a 10-ball 26 that included three sixes and a four. The resistance was short-lived.
The introduction of rotation and a disciplined pace transformed the competition decisively. Captain Mhatre (2) found himself out at mid-off, Aaron George (16 off 9) missed a shot and Suryavanshi fell behind as India collapsed to 49 for 3 in the fifth over.
From there, the collapse accelerated. Vihaan Malhotra (7) was bowled attempting a rash catch from Abdul Subhan, Vedant Trivedi (9) picked short mid-wicket and Abhigyan Kundu (13) picked deep third.
Kanishk Chouhan (9) and Khilan Patel (19) offered fleeting resistance, but steady breakthroughs kept India firmly in the lead.
Further down the order, Deepesh Devendran provided some late entertainment with a quickfire 36 from 16 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes.
His dismissal, aimed at eliminating Ali Raza, extinguished any lingering hopes. Subhan (2 for 29) and Huzaifa Ahsan (2 for 12) contributed effectively, while Mohammad Sayyam supported with 2 for 38, as India’s innings folded in 27 overs.
India were dismissed for 156 in 26.2 overs, underlining Pakistan’s bowling authority and precise fielding after the break. The 191-point margin was the biggest victory in an U-19 Asian Cup final, completing a complete rout.
As the final wicket fell, man of the match Sameer was hoisted onto the shoulders of his teammates amid scenes of unbridled joy, while India, unbeaten until the final, were left to rue a day when nothing went right.
Proud Green Shirt Nation
This historic triumph drew 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, saying the players had put up excellent performances.
“Pakistan players created history by defeating India in the final,” he said, adding, “The entire nation is proud of these young players.”
“The under-19 team will undoubtedly make the country’s name shine on the world stage in the future,” 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 Under-19 cricket team for winning the Asia Cup, saying 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, players and the cricket team.
“This victory of the young players is a ray of hope for the next international competitions,” he said.
The President praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for taking care of young talents. “The efforts of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the coaching team are commendable,” he said, adding, “The prayers and support of the nation go out to the young players.”
Fresh from their victorious campaign and buoyed by national celebrations, the victorious Pakistan Under-19 cricket team returned home after midnight to a warm and jubilant welcome, marking the return of a team that lifted national morale with its emphatic success.
The young champions landed at the new Islamabad International Airport on a special Pakistan International Airlines flight, drawing scenes of celebration as fans and officials gathered to welcome the team back to home soil.
The team arrived aboard PIA flight PK-212, which brought the players straight to the capital after their triumphant exit. Upon arrival, the players were received with flower petals in their honor.
