Dubai, UAE – In a stunning display of talent and temperament, Pakistan Under-19s secured their second-ever U19 Asia Cup title, and their first since 2012, by comprehensively defeating arch-rivals India U19 by 191 runs in the 2025 final at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. The victory, spearheaded by an unforgettable century from opener Sameer Minhas, marks a significant moment for Pakistani youth cricket and serves as a crucial confidence booster ahead of the upcoming U19 World Cup.

Sameer Minhas: A Batting Masterclass for the Ages

The undisputed star of the final, and indeed the tournament, was Pakistan’s dynamic opener, Sameer Minhas. Having already started the tournament with a remarkable 177 against Malaysia, Minhas elevated his game further on the biggest stage. His breathtaking knock of 172 runs off just 113 balls, adorned with 17 fours and 9 sixes, not only powered Pakistan to a formidable total but also etched his name into the U19 Asia Cup record books. Minhas completed his century in a blistering 71 balls and went on to register the highest individual score ever in an U19 Asia Cup final, a testament to his aggressive yet controlled batting.

Minhas’s dominance wasn’t limited to the final; he was deservedly named both ‘Player of the Match’ and ‘Player of the Tournament’, accumulating an astounding 471 runs in just 5 games. His performance was a blend of brutal power and exquisite timing, showcasing the kind of potential that suggests a bright future on the international stage. India’s bowlers, despite some late recovery efforts, had no answer to his relentless assault, highlighting his exceptional talent under pressure.

Pakistan’s Clinical Performance: Echoes of 2017

Pakistan’s victory was a complete team effort, built on the foundation laid by Minhas and then flawlessly executed by their bowlers. Posting a mammoth first innings total of 347/8 in their allotted 50 overs, they set a target that proved insurmountable for the Indian colts. The middle order, despite some quick wickets in the death overs, ensured the momentum wasn’t entirely lost, with captain Farhan Yousaf and others contributing effectively.

The bowling attack, featuring talents like Abdul Subhan and Mohammad Sayyam, then delivered a superb display, maintaining tight lines and lengths that exploited India’s ‘ultra-aggressive approach’ early on. They reaped the rewards, dismantling the Indian top order rapidly. The victory carried a striking resemblance to Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2017 triumph, where they also suffered a heavy defeat against India in the group stages only to bounce back and secure a commanding win in the final. This psychological turnaround, especially against a dominant Indian side, speaks volumes about the team’s mental fortitude. It’s perhaps no coincidence that Sarfaraz Ahmed, the Champions Trophy 2017-winning captain, served as the mentor for this victorious Pakistan U19 squad, bringing invaluable experience to the young side.

India’s Day to Forget: An Uncharacteristic Collapse

For Ayush Mhatre-led India U19, who had enjoyed a flawless run, winning every single game leading up to the final, this was an uncharacteristically dismal performance. Chasing 348, India’s innings began with flashes of brilliance, particularly from the 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi who smashed two sixes and a boundary in the very first over. However, this early aggression proved to be their undoing, as they lost their first five wickets inside the powerplay (10 overs), effectively ending their hopes of a record-extending ninth title.

Despite the likes of Aaron George, who had scored half-centuries in all three of his previous games, and Abhigyan Kundu, who had previously etched his name in the record books with a double century (209* off 125 balls) against Malaysia, the Indian batting unit failed to fire collectively. Suryavanshi, despite his fiery start, was caught behind for a crucial wicket, followed by Mhatre’s soft dismissal and George’s ‘rash shot’. The pressure mounted quickly, and wickets continued to tumble, with India eventually being bundled out for just 156 in 26.2 overs. While Deepesh Devendran’s late cameo ensured India avoided the ‘heaviest defeat’ record (which was 195 runs), their 191-run loss still stands as the second-largest defeat by margin of runs in an U19 Asia Cup final.

India’s fielding also came under scrutiny, with three dropped catches, including a crucial reprieve for Hamza Zahoor early in Pakistan’s innings and another for Usman Khan. These missed opportunities allowed Pakistan to build their formidable total without too much resistance, highlighting areas for improvement for the Indian colts.

Key Moments and Incidents

The final was not without its dramatic moments. A Pakistani fielder suffered a ‘nasty injury’ when he was hit on the face by the ball after Deepesh Devendran’s maximum, requiring immediate medical attention. Later, Devendran himself underwent a mandatory ‘concussion check’ after the ball ricocheted off his arm and hit his helmet grill. The intensity of an India-Pakistan clash was also evident in moments of ‘war of words’ between players, notably between Pakistan’s Ali Raza and India’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi, and another exchange involving Indian captain Ayush Mhatre. Even ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Interior, was present, adding to the high-stakes atmosphere of the contest.

Implications for the U19 World Cup

This U19 Asia Cup final served as a vital precursor to the upcoming U19 World Cup in January, to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia. For Pakistan, the victory is a massive psychological boost, affirming their status as genuine contenders. The emergence of ‘future star’ Sameer Minhas provides them with a formidable asset, while the team’s ability to perform under pressure against their biggest rivals bodes well for the global tournament.

For India, while the defeat is undoubtedly disappointing, it offers crucial lessons in high-pressure scenarios. It highlights the need for their top order to convert starts and for the team to maintain composure when chasing large totals. The tournament has still ‘unearthed’ several ‘gems’ for India, including the likes of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George, and the record-breaking Abhigyan Kundu, whose talent will be key to their World Cup aspirations. This final, despite the one-sided result, has set the stage for an exciting U19 World Cup, where these young talents will once again vie for global supremacy.

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