India stunned to enter final unbeaten; Opens the story of Sameer Minha’s script
Pakistani players celebrate with the trophy after defeating India in the U-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai. Photo: NNI
Pakistan’s U-19s produced an unforgettable night, sweeping past arch-rivals India with a thunderous 191-run victory in the final of the U-19 Asia Cup at the ICC Academy Ground on Sunday, creating history and sparking jubilant celebrations across the nation.
The record-breaking batting masterclass, followed by some reckless bowling by the teenagers’ veteran display of nerve, turned the high-stakes contest into a one-sided spectacle as the Green Shirts lifted the prestigious title out of doubt.
The tone was set by opener Sameer Minhas, who played once in a tournament to take Pakistan to an impressive 347 for 8 after being put in to bat.
India, unbeaten heading into the final and heavy favorites after defeating Pakistan in the group stage, had no answers once the momentum swung.
Sameer anchored the innings with a magnificent 172 off 113 balls, hitting 17 fours and nine sixes. He laid a solid foundation before accelerating through the middle overs, including vital partnerships with Usman Khan (35, 45b, 3x4s, 1×6) and Ahmed Hussain (56, 45b, 3x4s, 1×6) to put Pakistan firmly in command.
India’s chase collapsed dramatically as the batting line-up was skittled for just 156 in 26.2 overs and pacer Ali Raza tore through the line-up with figures of 4 for 42.
The triumph had a special edge as Pakistan had been beaten heavily by India in the group stage and went into the final as underdogs against an unbeaten opponent.
But on the biggest day, the roles were reversed as Pakistan were clinical in all departments while unraveling India were unable to recover when the momentum swung decisively.
India captain Ayush Mhatre won the toss and elected to bowl in the hope that early help would check Pakistan’s scoring. Instead, Sameer launched a vicious assault. After Hamza Zahoor fell for 18, he stitched together commanding 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, racing to 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 flurry of wickets – five falling for 45 runs – that denied Pakistan a late charge towards 400.
Still, their total remained the highest ever in an U-19 Asia Cup final. Khilan Patel (2 for 44) and Devendran (3 for 83) were the most efficient of India’s bowlers.
Chasing an impressive 348, India began with brief fireworks. Launching a blistering opening over against Ali Raza, Vaibhav Suryavanshi helped India race to 21 in the first over and followed it up with 26 off 10 balls that included three sixes and a four. The resistance was short-lived.
The introduction of spin and disciplined pace turned the competition decisively. Captain Mhatre (2) struck out to mid-off, Aaron George (16 off 9) missed a pull and Suryavanshi fell behind as India slumped to 49 for 3 in the fifth over.
From there, the collapse took off. Vihaan Malhotra (7) was bowled trying to pull Abdul Subhan rashly, Vedant Trivedi (9) opted for short midwicket and Abhigyan Kundu (13) was uppercut to deep third.
Kanishk Chouhan (9) and Khilan Patel (19) offered fleeting resistance but regular breakthroughs kept India firmly on the back foot.
Lower down the order, Deepesh Devendran provided late entertainment with a quickfire 36 off 16 balls that hit six fours and two sixes.
His dismissal that got Ali Raza to fire extinguished any lingering hopes. Subhan (2 for 29) and off-spinner Huzaifa Ahsan (2 for 12) chipped in effectively, while Mohammad Sayyam supported with 2 for 38 as India’s innings folded within 27 overs.
India were dismissed for 156 in 26.2 overs, underscoring Pakistan’s bowling authority and sharp fielding after the break. The 191-run margin stood as the biggest win in an U-19 Asia Cup final, completing a comprehensive run.
When the final wicket fell, Man of the Match Sameer was hoisted onto the shoulders of his teammates amid scenes of unbridled joy as India, unbeaten until the final, were left to a day when little went right.
Nation proud of green shirts
The historic triumph garnered warm praise from the country’s leadership. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday congratulated the Pakistan cricket team and the nation for winning the U19 Asia Cup and said the players had performed superbly.
“Pakistani players created history by defeating India in the final,” he said, adding, “The whole 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 as well,” the Prime Minister said.
“I pay tribute to the entire team management, including the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board Mohsin Naqvi,” he added.
President Asif Ali Zardari also congratulated the Pakistan U19 cricket team for winning the Asia Cup and said 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 overall performance of the captain, players and the cricket board.
“This victory for the young players is a ray of hope for the upcoming international competitions,” he said.
The President praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for being patronizing to young talent. “The efforts of Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi and the coaching staff are commendable,” he said, adding, “Prayers and support of the nation are with the young players”.
Fresh from their title-winning campaign and buoyed by nationwide celebrations, Pakistan’s victorious U-19 cricket team returned home after midnight to a warm and jubilant reception, marking the return of a team that has lifted national spirits with its emphatic success.
The young champions landed at the New Islamabad International Airport aboard a special Pakistan International Airlines flight and drew scenes of celebration as supporters and officials gathered to welcome the team back home.
The team arrived on PIA flight PK-212, which brought the players straight to the capital after their triumphant outing. On arrival, the players were greeted with flower petals showered in their honour.
