Pakistan crush India to lift U-19 Asia Cup with record 191-run win

Pakistan produced a dominant all-round performance to thrash arch-rivals India by a massive 191 runs in the final of the ICC U-19 Asia Cup at the ICC Academy Ground on Sunday, clinching the prestigious title in emphatic fashion.

Opener Sameer Minhas starred with a record-breaking 172 — the highest individual score in a U-19 Asia Cup final – powering Pakistan to a daunting 347 for 8 after being sent in to bat.

In reply, India’s much-hyped batting line-up collapsed dramatically, bowled out for just 156 in 26.2 overs, as pacer Ali Raza tore through the innings with superb figures of 4 for 42.

The triumph marked sweet redemption for Pakistan, who had suffered a heavy defeat to India in the group stage and entered the final as underdogs against an unbeaten Indian side. Instead, it was Pakistan who delivered a clinical, ruthless display to overwhelm their rivals in every department.

India captain Ayush Mhatre won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to exploit early movement. But the decision backfired as Sameer launched a ferocious assault from the outset. After Hamza Zahoor departed for 18, Sameer added 92 runs for the second wicket with Usman Khan (35) and a further 137 for the third with Ahmed Hussain (56), placing Pakistan firmly in control.

Sameer reached his century off just 71 balls and went on to hammer 172 from 113 deliveries, striking 17 fours and nine sixes. He eventually fell in the 43rd over, but despite a late wobble that saw five wickets fall for 45 runs, Pakistan posted the highest total ever in a U-19 Asia Cup final.

For India, Khilan Patel returned figures of 2 for 44, while Deepesh Devendran claimed 3 for 83.

Chasing an imposing 348, India began aggressively, racing to 21 in the opening over. Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed a rapid 26 off 10 balls, including three sixes, but his dismissal triggered a collapse from which India never recovered.

Mhatre (2), Aaron George (16), and Suryavanshi all fell in quick succession as Ali Raza and Mohammad Sayyam struck repeatedly to reduce India to 49 for 3 inside five overs. The slide continued as Vihaan Malhotra (7), Vedant Trivedi (9), Abhigyan Kundu (13) and others departed cheaply.

Deepesh Devendran’s late cameo of 36 off 16 balls briefly lifted spirits, but his dismissal effectively ended the contest. Subhan (2-29), Huzaifa Ahsan (2-12) and Sayyam (2-38) provided excellent support as Pakistan wrapped up the innings swiftly.

India’s defeat was confirmed in just 26.2 overs, sealing the largest margin of victory in a U-19 Asia Cup final.

Man of the Match Sameer Minhas was hoisted onto his teammates’ shoulders amid jubilant celebrations, as Pakistan completed a comprehensive rout and lifted the trophy in style.