DUBAI: Pakistan produced a commanding all-round display to defeat India by a huge margin of 191 runs in the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup final, securing the championship in emphatic fashion.
Set a daunting target of 348 runs, India’s Under-19 side failed to keep pace and was dismissed for 156. Earlier in the match, India had won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision that proved costly as Pakistan’s batters dominated the proceedings.
Pakistan amassed 347 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their 50 overs, thanks largely to a breathtaking innings by Sameer Minhas. The right-hander struck a brilliant 172 off 113 deliveries, peppering the boundary with 17 fours and clearing the ropes nine times. His outstanding run also confirmed him as the tournament’s highest run-getter.
Support came from Ahmed Hussain, who scored a fluent 56, and Usman Khan, who added 35. Skipper Farhan Yousuf chipped in with 19, while Hamza Zahoor made 18. Mohammad Siyam (13 not out) and Naqab Shafiq (12 not out) ensured Pakistan finished strongly.
India’s bowlers found limited success, with Dipesh Devendran claiming three wickets, while Khilan Patel and Henil Patel took two apiece.
During the chase, India never recovered from early setbacks and were eventually bowled out for 156. Dipesh Devendran led the scoring with 36 runs, while Suryavanshi contributed 26.
Pakistan’s bowlers were equally impressive, led by Ali Raza, who returned figures of four wickets for 42 runs. Mohammad Saim, Abdul Subhan, and Huzayfa Ahsan also made valuable contributions with two wickets each.
For his match-winning performance, Sameer Minhas was awarded Player of the Match as well as Player of the Tournament. The victory marked Pakistan’s second Under-19 Asia Cup triumph, having previously shared the title with India in the 2012 edition.
