Pakistan overwhelms India to lift U19 Asia Cup, Minhas steals the show

Pakistan’s Under-19 team showcased sheer dominance as Sameer Minhas’ brilliant century and the relentless pace trio dismantled India, securing a commanding 191-run victory in the U19 Asia Cup final here on Sunday. The win marked Pakistan’s second U19 Asia Cup title, as they overpowered a strong Indian side in a one-sided contest at the ICC Academy.

After electing to bat, Pakistan set the tone with an imposing total of 347 for eight, led by Minhas’ explosive 172 off just 113 balls, featuring 17 boundaries and 9 sixes. The left-hander, younger brother of Pakistan T20 star Arafat Minhas, attacked every Indian bowler, particularly new-ball bowlers Kishan Singh and Deepesh Devendran. His century came off 71 balls, and he looked set for a double hundred before being caught off a slower delivery from Devendran.

Minhas’ innings was complemented by Usman Khan (35) and Ahmed Hussain (56), who contributed in key partnerships to help Pakistan post a daunting total. Hussain and Minhas added 137 runs, giving the innings a solid backbone, while Khan and Minhas put together a 92-run stand earlier. Even after early dismissals, Pakistan’s middle and lower order ensured a relentless scoring rate, leaving India with an almost impossible target.

India’s reply began aggressively, with Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Aaron George taking the attack to the bowlers. Suryavanshi hit two sixes and a four in the opening over, while George struck three consecutive fours in the fourth over. However, the chase quickly fell apart. George was caught off Sayyam, and Suryavanshi fell immediately afterward to a sharp Raza delivery that took an edge to stumper Zahoor Hamza.

From 49 for 1, India slipped to 49 for 3 within just a few balls, as Vedant Trivedi and Kanishk Chouhan also fell to the pace duo. The flat ICC Academy pitch suddenly looked treacherous under the onslaught of Pakistan’s pacers Ali Reza (4/42), Mohammad Sayyam (2/38), and Abdul Subhan (2/29) who bowled consistent lengths and exploited every bit of bounce and movement.

Even a reprieve for Abhigyan Kundu, who was dropped on 12 by Subhan, could not turn India’s fortunes. Two balls later, Kundu’s mistimed upper cut was caught at third man, effectively ending India’s faint hopes. India eventually folded for 156 in 26.2 overs, handing Pakistan a comprehensive 191-run victory.

The win was a testament to Pakistan’s balance of power between explosive batting and disciplined bowling. Minhas’ second century in the tournament, following his unbeaten 177 against Malaysia, highlighted his consistency and class. The young pacers’ ability to maintain pressure and strike regularly ensured that India never gained a foothold in the chase.

With this win, Pakistan not only lifted the U19 Asia Cup for the second time but also sent a strong statement about their emerging talent pipeline, while India was left to regroup after a rare collapse on the big stage.

In the 2012 U19 Asia Cup final, India and Pakistan played out a thrilling tie, with both sides displaying resilient batting and disciplined bowling. India was led by Unmukt Chand, while Babar Azam captained Pakistan. As per tournament rules, the trophy was shared between the two teams, marking a rare instance of joint champions in the competition’s history.

Scoreboard:

Pakistan: 347/8 Sameer Minhas 172 (113b, 17x4, 9x6), Ahmed Hussain 56, Deepesh Devendran 3/83, Khilan Patel 2/44.

India: 156 all out Deepesh Devendran 36, Vaibhav Suryavanshi 26, Ali Reza 4/42, Abdul Subhan 2/29.

Result:

Pakistan won by 191 runs.

Player of the Match: Sameer Minhas

Player of the Series: Sameer Minhas