Pakistan Clinches Under-19 Asia Cup Title with Dominant Win Over India
India's Disappointing Performance in the Final
In a disappointing finale, India Under-19 faced a significant defeat against Pakistan Under-19 in the Under-19 Asia Cup, losing by a staggering 191 runs in Dubai. This victory marks Pakistan's second title in the tournament's history.
India's Batting Fails Under Pressure
Set with a daunting target of 348 runs, India struggled to maintain control as Pakistan's bowlers executed a disciplined strategy, dismissing the Indian team for just 156 runs in 26.2 overs. Ali Raza emerged as the star bowler for Pakistan, achieving impressive figures of 4 wickets for 42 runs in 6.2 overs. He was ably supported by Mohammad Sayyam (2/38), Abdul Subhan (2/29), and Huzaifa Ahsan (2/12), who collectively dismantled the Indian batting order with consistent breakthroughs.
Early Wickets Derail India's Chase
India started their innings with some aggression, led by opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who aimed for a quick score. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when captain Ayush Mhatre was dismissed for just 2 runs. Aaron George followed shortly after, scoring 16 runs, while Suryavanshi's promising innings ended at 26 runs off 10 balls, which included one four and three sixes. India found themselves in a precarious position at 49 runs for 3 wickets within just 4.1 overs.
Continued Collapse of Indian Batting Line-up
The batting collapse continued as Vihaan Malhotra was out for 7 runs, and Vedant Trivedi managed only 9. Expectations were high for Abhigyan Kundu, who had previously scored a double century against Malaysia Under-19, but he could only contribute 13 runs. Kanishk Chouhan added 9 runs, leaving India in dire straits at 94 runs for 7 wickets in 16.5 overs.
Late Resistance from Lower Order
In the lower order, Khilan Patel scored 19 runs, while Henil Patel added 6. Deepesh Devendran provided some late resistance with a spirited 36 runs off 16 balls, hitting six boundaries and two sixes. Unfortunately, his efforts were in vain as he became the last wicket to fall, concluding India's innings and securing a comprehensive victory for Pakistan.
Minhas Sets Record for Pakistan
In a remarkable first innings, Pakistan's Sameer Minhas set a new record, surpassing Shahzaib Khan for the highest individual score by a Pakistani player in Youth ODIs. Minhas scored an impressive 172 runs off just 113 balls, featuring 17 fours and nine sixes, with a strike rate of 152.21. This score ranks as the eighth-highest in Youth ODI history, following South Africa's J van Schalkwyk, who holds the record with 215 runs earlier this year.
Match Summary
India won the toss and chose to field first. Although Pakistan lost wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor early on, Sameer Minhas formed crucial partnerships, including a 92-run stand with Usman Khan (35 runs) and a 137-run partnership with Ahmed Hussain (56 runs). After Minhas's dismissal at 302 runs, Pakistan finished their innings at 347 runs for 8 wickets in 50 overs. Deepesh Devendran (3/83), Khilan Patel (2/44), and Henil Patel (2/62) were notable wicket-takers for India.