Pakistan Crush India by 191 Runs to Clinch U-19 Asia Cup Title

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan produced a dominant all-round display to hammer arch-rivals India by 191 runs and lift the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup trophy in Dubai on Sunday.

India, unbeaten in the tournament, won the toss and opted to field, but the decision backfired as Pakistan got off to a strong start through opener Sameer Minhas and middle-order batter Usman Khan. The pair put on a solid 92-run partnership before Khan was dismissed.

Minhas carried on regardless, playing a commanding innings and smashing a clinical 172 runs to anchor Pakistan’s total of 347-8 from 50 overs. Ahmed Hussain added valuable support with 56 runs off 72 balls.

Chasing a daunting target, India showed early promise but soon fell apart as Pakistan’s bowlers struck at regular intervals. The Indian innings collapsed to 156 all out in just 26.2 overs.

Minhas was named both player of the match and player of the series.
“It was a good innings… we wanted to bat first looking at the track,” he said. “It is very memorable for me.”

Ali Raza led Pakistan’s bowling attack with four wickets, while Deepesh Devendran was the standout for India, finishing with figures of 3-83.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated the U-19 team on their emphatic triumph.
“Impressive victory over India in the final shows young players’ dedication and resolve,” he said in a post on X. “A proud moment for the nation. Appreciation to the captain, team, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, and coaches.”