A dominant all-round performance, led by a century from Sameer Minhas and a four-wicket haul by Ali Raza, guided Pakistan U19 to a thumping 191-run win over India U19 in the final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup at the ICC Cricket Academy Ground in Dubai on Sunday. This marked Pakistan’s first outright ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup title, having previously been declared joint winners in the 2012 edition.
According to details, after being put in to bat, Pakistan posted an imposing 347 for eight in their allotted 50 overs. Sameer Minhas anchored the innings with a magnificent 172 off 113 balls, striking 17 fours and nine sixes. He laid a solid foundation before accelerating through the middle overs, including vital partnerships with Usman Khan (35, 45b, 3x4s, 1×6) and Ahmed Hussain (56, 45b, 3x4s, 1×6) to put Pakistan firmly in command.
Left-handed batter Ahmed’s fluent half-century provided further momentum, while skipper Farhan Yousaf (19, 18b, 2x4s, 1×6) and late contributions from Niqab Shafiq (12 not out, 17b, 1×4) and Mohammad Sayyam (13 not out, 8b, 1×6) ensured Pakistan finished strongly.
In turn, Pakistan’s bowlers produced a disciplined and clinical display to dismiss India for 156 in 26.2 overs. Right-arm fast bowler Ali spearheaded the attack with four wickets, striking early to derail India’s chase. Mohammad Sayyam and Abdul Subhan claimed two wickets apiece, while spinner Huzaifa Ahsan also struck twice as Pakistan maintained pressure throughout the innings.
Sameer Minhas was adjudged player of the match for his match-winning century and was also named player of the tournament after amassing 471 runs from five matches at an average of 157. Sameer Minhas (Pakistan) was declared Player of the match and tournament.
Pakistan U19 will now travel to Zimbabwe to feature in a tri-series involving Afghanistan and hosts Zimbabwe, starting from Thursday, December 25.
The ICC Men’s U19 World Cup will be played in Zimbabwe and Namibia fromJanuary 15 to February 6, 2026. Scores in brief: Pakistan 347-8, 50 overs (Sameer Minhas 172, Ahmed Hussain 56, Usman Khan 35; Deepesh Devendran 3-83).
India 156 all out, 26.2 overs (Deepesh Devendran 36, Vaibhav Suryavanshi 26; Ali Raza 4-42, Huzaifa Ahsan 2-12, Abdul Subhan 2-29, Mohammad Sayyam 2-38).
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has made a significant announcement for the victorious Under-19 Asia Cup team.
Sources report that the PCB chairman declared a cash reward of Rs 5 million for each player of the team that defeated India.
Following the team’s triumph in the final, Mohsin Naqvi met with the players, praised their performances, and motivated them for future challenges.
He also assured the players of complete support and care in all aspects, including full provision of medical facilities and other necessities.
It is worth noting that in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Under-19 Asia Cup final held in Dubai, Pakistan defeated India by a commanding 191-run margin, highlighted by an outstanding innings from Samir Minhas.
President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated Pakistan Under-19 cricket team on winning Asia Cup.
In a statement, he said the brilliant victory in the final against India was a testament to the hard work, discipline and determination of the young players.
“The success of the Under-19 team is a source of pride and joy for the entire nation,” he added.
The President appreciated the collective performance of the captain, players and the cricket board.
“This victory of the young players is a ray of hope for the upcoming international competitions,” he remarked.
The President lauded the Pakistan Cricket Board for patronizing young talent.
“The efforts of Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi and the coaching staff are commendable,” he said adding, “Prayers and support of the nation are with the young players.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Pakistan cricket team and the entire nation on winning the Under-19 Asia Cup. In a statement, he said Pakistani players performed excellently. “Pakistani players created history by defeating India in the final,” he said adding, “The entire nation is proud of these young players.”
The Prime Minister said, “The Under-19 team will undoubtedly make the country’s name shine on the world stage in the future as well.” “I pay tribute to the entire team management, including Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi,” he added.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has congratulated the nation on Pakistan’s emphatic victory over India in the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup, calling it a moment of pride for the entire country.
The PPP Chairman also extended warm congratulations to the players of the Under-19 national cricket team and lauded their outstanding performance.
He paid special tribute to all team members, including Sameer Minhas, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza, Abdul Subhan, Muhammad Siyam and Huzaifa Hasan, for their exceptional display and fighting spirit.
Bilawal expressed confidence that the determined young players of the Under-19 cricket team would continue to raise the green crescent flag high and keep making the nation proud on every ground in the years to come.