In a historic display of dominance at the ICC Academy Ground, Pakistan Under-19 dismantled arch-rivals India by 191 runs to secure their first-ever U19 Asia Cup title.
A record-shattering century from Sameer
Minhas and a relentless bowling performance saw Pakistan flip the script on the defending champions, who had beaten them earlier in the group stages.
After being put into bat by Indian captain Ayush Mhatre, Pakistan overcame an early setback to post a formidable 347/8 in their 50 overs. The hero of the day was opener Sameer Minhas, who played an innings for the ages. Minhas bludgeoned 172 off just 113 balls, featuring 17 boundaries and 9 towering sixes-the highest individual score ever recorded in a U19 Asia Cup final. Minhas anchored two massive partnerships, 92 runs with Usman Khan and 137 runs with Ahmed Hussain.
While India managed a late fightback led by Deepesh Devendran (3/83) and Khilan Patel (2/44), triggering a collapse of 5 wickets for just 25 runs, the damage was already done. Pakistan's tail wagged just enough to set a daunting target of 348.
Chasing nearly seven runs per over, the Indian top order crumbled under the sheer pace and discipline of the Pakistani attack. Sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi (26) and skipper Ayush Mhatre (2) fell early, as India found themselves reeling at 68/5 within the first 10 overs. Despite Suryavanshi giving a fiery start, Mhatre fell, which followed with more wickets as the Indian batters failed to make any impact.
The middle order offered little resistance against the duo of Ali Raza (4/24) and Mohammad Sayyam (2/38). Despite a late, spirited cameo from Deepesh Devendran (36 off 16), India was bundled out for 156 in 26.2 overs.
This victory marks Pakistan's first standalone U19 Asia Cup title, having previously shared the trophy with India after a tie in 2012. For India, the six-time champions, it was a rare and heavy defeat in a final, ending their campaign as runners-up.
