Pakistan U19 Storm to Historic ACC Title with Crushing Win Over India

DUBAI: Pakistan Under-19 delivered a final for the ages on Sunday, beating India by 191 runs to claim their ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup title. The final at Dubai International Stadium turned one-sided early and never shifted back.

A record-breaking century from opener Sameer Minhas laid the platform, while a fierce pace display led by Ali Raza sealed a victory that rewrote tournament history.

India’s Toss Call Backfires as Pakistan Take Control

India won the toss and chose to field, hoping to exploit early movement under lights. That decision unraveled quickly as Pakistan’s top order dismantled the new ball with confidence and clarity.

Sameer Minhas drove on the up, pulled without hesitation, and punished width with clean timing. India struggled to find length or rhythm as Pakistan surged ahead inside the powerplay.

Ahmed Hussain played the perfect supporting role, rotating strike and easing pressure. The pair stitched together a commanding 137-run partnership that broke India’s early plans and shifted momentum decisively.

Sameer Minhas Delivers a Final for the Ages

Minhas produced an innings that will define this tournament for years. He scored a breathtaking 172 from just 113 deliveries, blending raw power with mature shot selection. His knock featured 17 boundaries and nine towering sixes, most of them struck with authority straight down the ground.

Minhas found gaps effortlessly and cleared ropes with alarming ease. Every over tilted further in Pakistan’s favour.

Deepesh Devendran picked up three wickets for India, but the damage was already irreversible. Pakistan closed their innings at a formidable 347 for eight, a total that demanded a near-perfect chase.

Pakistan’s Pace Attack Rips Through India Early

India’s openers raced to 32 runs inside two overs, briefly injecting belief into the chase. Ali Raza struck with pace and precision, removing key batters before they could settle. His lengths forced false shots, and his movement exposed India’s fragile middle order.

By the end of the powerplay, India had collapsed to 68 for five. The chase lost structure, clarity, and momentum within minutes.

Middle Order Crumbles Under Relentless Pressure

Pakistan tightened the screws through disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. Ali Raza returned again and again, striking with controlled aggression. He finished with outstanding figures of four wickets for 42 runs, dismantling India’s resistance methodically.

Spin played a holding role, but pace delivered the decisive blows. India never recovered from the early collapse and folded for 156 in just 26.2 overs.

A Final Marked by Ruthless Execution

The 191-run margin reflected Pakistan’s complete dominance across all departments. They outplayed India with the bat, dictated terms with the ball, and controlled the tempo throughout the contest.

Pakistan had suffered a heavy defeat to India during the group stage. This final offered redemption, and they seized it emphatically on the biggest stage.

Sameer Minhas Sweeps Individual Honours

Sameer Minhas capped his unforgettable campaign by collecting both Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament awards. His consistency, composure, and match-winning impact defined Pakistan’s title run.

Ali Raza’s tournament also stood out, especially his ability to strike early and return under pressure. Together, they formed the backbone of Pakistan’s championship-winning side.

A Landmark Moment for Pakistan Under-19 Cricket

This triumph marks Pakistan’s ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup title, achieved with authority against their fiercest rivals. The performance sent a clear message about the depth and discipline within Pakistan’s youth system.