Pakistan’s Under‑19 cricket team produced a commanding and comprehensive performance to win the ACC Men’s Under‑19 Asia Cup, defeating India by 191 runs in the final at the ICC Academy Ground on Sunday.
This emphatic victory marks Pakistan’s first outright Asia Cup title in the Under‑19 category and only their second overall, following a shared championship in 2012.
After India won the toss and elected to field, Pakistan’s batting lineup delivered a masterful display. Opener Sameer Minhas was the standout performer, scoring a record‑breaking 172 runs off 113 balls with 17 fours and nine sixes. His innings set the tone for Pakistan’s innings and established the highest individual score in an Under‑19 Asia Cup final. Minhas reached his century swiftly and anchored the innings, putting Pakistan in a powerful position early on.
Pakistan posted a formidable 347 for eight in their allotted fifty overs, building significant partnerships throughout their innings. Usman Khan contributed 35 runs, while Ahmed Hussain added a valuable 56 runs, helping Pakistan maintain momentum and set an imposing total for the opposition.
In response, India’s chase faltered under pressure from a disciplined Pakistani bowling attack. India was dismissed for just 156 runs in 26.2 overs, never able to build substantial partnerships or recover from early setbacks. Pacer Ali Raza led the bowling effort with four wickets for 42 runs, while other bowlers supported effectively to maintain control of the game.
Despite a brief late resistance from India’s Deepesh Devendran, who scored 36 runs off 16 balls, the batting lineup collapsed as Pakistan’s fielding and bowling units capitalised on every opportunity. The margin of victory, 191 runs, is one of the largest in the history of Under‑19 Asia Cup finals.
The triumph ignited celebrations among players, officials, and the nation’s supporters. Pakistan’s head coach and team management praised the players for their strategic discipline, and composure under high‑pressure conditions. The victory is seen as a significant milestone for Pakistan’s youth cricket development, offering confidence and momentum as the team looks ahead to future international competitions.
The trophy was handed over to the Pakistan Under‑19 team by Mohsin Naqvi, the President of the Asian Cricket Council and Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Sameer Minhas was officially named Man of the Match and Player of the series for his match‑winning innings of 172 runs off 113 balls in the final.
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