The Pakistan Under-19 team delivered a crushing blow to their Indian counterparts, registering a dominant victory in the U19 Asia Cup final in Dubai. Batting first, Pakistan piled on an imposing total that proved far beyond India’s reach, applying relentless pressure from the outset. Despite possessing the firepower to mount a chase, the Indian batting lineup failed to rise to the occasion, eventually succumbing to a comprehensive defeat.
Sameer Minhas Powers Pakistan to a Mammoth Total
Pakistan opener Sameer Minhas stole the spotlight with a commanding performance at the top of the order. Opening alongside Hamza Zahoor, Pakistan suffered an early setback when Zahoor was dismissed by Henil Patel for 18 off 14 balls. Undeterred, Minhas took charge and dictated the tempo against the Indian bowling attack.
Displaying remarkable composure and aggressive intent, Minhas produced a breathtaking innings that shifted the momentum decisively in Pakistan’s favor. He found the boundary at will, smashing 17 fours and nine sixes on his way to a sensational 172 off 113 deliveries. Though his innings ended in the 43rd over, the damage had already been inflicted.
Minhas was well supported by Ahmed Hussain, who compiled a fluent half-century, while Usman Khan contributed a valuable 35 to stabilize the innings. Their combined efforts propelled Pakistan to a formidable total of 347/8, leaving India with a daunting task in the final.
India Collapse in the Chase
India’s reply never gained momentum, with only Vaibhav Suryavanshi showing brief resistance. Captain Ayush Mhatre departed early for 2 off 7 balls, while Aaron Varghese (16), Vihan Malhotra (7), Vedant Trivedi (9), and Abhigyan Kundu (13) all failed to convert starts. Suryavanshi’s explosive cameo of 26 off 10 balls, which included one four and three sixes, was short-lived.
By the 20th over, it was evident that the U19 Men in Blue were struggling to keep pace with the required run rate. A late partnership between Deepesh Devendran and Kishan Kumar Singh added some consolation runs, with Devendran doing most of the scoring, but the outcome was already sealed.
India were eventually bowled out for 156, handing Pakistan a commanding 191-run victory and a memorable triumph in the U19 Asia Cup final.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com