Pakistan delivered a commanding all-round performance to overwhelm arch-rivals India by 191 runs and lift the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 trophy at the ICC Academy on Sunday. A monumental century by Sameer Minhas, followed by a relentless bowling display, ensured a one-sided final and underlined Pakistan’s dominance in the tournament.
Asked to bat first after India opted to field, Pakistan piled up an imposing 347 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings revolved around opener Sameer Minhas, who produced a sensational knock of 172 from just 113 deliveries. His stroke-filled innings featured 17 boundaries and nine towering sixes, dismantling the Indian bowling attack with authority and composure.
Pakistan’s innings began steadily, with Minhas and Hamza Zahoor adding 31 runs before Zahoor departed early. Minhas then stitched together a fluent 92-run partnership with Usman Khan, who contributed a brisk 35. The foundation was further strengthened by a crucial 137-run stand between Minhas and Ahmed Hussain, whose well-paced 56 complemented Minhas’ aggression perfectly.
Despite a brief middle-order wobble after Minhas’ dismissal in the 43rd over, late cameos from Mohammad Sayyam and Niqab Shafiq pushed Pakistan to a daunting total. For India, Deepesh Devendran emerged as the leading wicket-taker with three scalps, though at a heavy cost.
In reply, India never truly settled in the chase of 348. Pakistan’s pace attack struck early and consistently, dismantling the batting lineup for just 156 in 26.2 overs. Ali Raza led the charge with an impressive four-wicket haul, setting the tone with sharp pace and movement.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi provided a brief spark at the top with a quick 26, but his dismissal triggered a collapse from which India could not recover. Mohammad Sayyam, Abdul Subhan and Huzaifa Ahsan maintained relentless pressure, picking up wickets at regular intervals.
A late flourish from No.10 Deepesh Devendran, who smashed 36 off 16 balls, only delayed the inevitable as Pakistan wrapped up a resounding victory. The emphatic win not only secured Pakistan the U19 Asia Cup title but also highlighted the depth, discipline and match-winning potential of their next generation.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met the players of the Pakistan Under-19 team and congratulated them on winning the Asia Cup.
Mohsin Naqvi praised the team for their outstanding performance throughout the tournament and lauded Sameer Minhas for his brilliant batting display in the final. He commended the young players for their discipline, determination and teamwork, which played a key role in securing the prestigious title.
The PCB chairman also extended his congratulations to head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and the entire management staff for their hard work and effective planning behind the team’s success. During his visit, Mohsin Naqvi also met with fans who had come to the ground to support the Pakistan team.
The supporters congratulated him on Pakistan’s Under-19 Asia Cup victory and expressed their pride in the team’s achievement. “The Pakistan team has done something remarkable,” the fans said while talking to Mohsin Naqvi. “Today, the Pakistan team has won our hearts,” the supporters added.