Overview:
India managed to pull things back slightly in the death overs, but the target of 348 remained enormous.
Pakistan delivered a dominant all-round display to lift the U19 Asia Cup title, thrashing India by 191 runs in a one-sided final at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on Sunday. The foundation of the victory was laid by opener Sameer Minhas, who produced a sensational knock of 172 off 113 balls, powering Pakistan to a massive 347/8. India’s reply never gathered momentum, as they folded for 156, handing Pakistan a convincing win.
Batting first, Pakistan overcame an early setback before Minhas took charge of the innings. He brought up his fifty in just 29 balls and went on to forge a 137-run partnership with Ahmed Hussain, which swung the game firmly in Pakistan’s favour. While Hussain eventually settled into his rhythm and registered a half-century, Minhas continued attacking, reaching his hundred off 71 deliveries and maintaining complete control over the bowling. By the 40th over, Pakistan were cruising at 276/3, well placed for a huge total.
Minhas struck nine sixes during his explosive innings and seemed on course for a double century before falling for 172. India managed to pull things back slightly in the death overs, but the target of 348 remained enormous.
India began brightly with Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashing boundaries straightaway, including multiple sixes in the opening overs. However, Pakistan soon regained control, as Ali Raza removed Ayush Mhatre and then dismissed Suryavanshi to derail India’s chase. From there, Pakistan maintained complete pressure, reducing India to 68/5 after the powerplay.
A brief resistance from Deepesh Devendran delayed the inevitable, but Raza continued to strike and completed a four-wicket haul as India were bundled out for 156, sealing a commanding triumph for Pakistan.