Pakistan Dominates India to Claim U19 Asia Cup Title in Dubai

U19 Asia Cup Final: A One-Sided Affair

Dubai: In a lopsided final of the Under-19 Asia Cup, India faced a staggering defeat by 191 runs against Pakistan, primarily due to the explosive batting of Sameer Minhas and the effective pace attack from the opposition.

With this victory, Pakistan secured their second title in the U19 Asia Cup, continuing the trend of minimal interaction between the two teams post-match.

Pakistan set a daunting target of 347 runs for India, thanks to Minhas' remarkable innings of 172 runs off 113 balls, which included 17 fours and 9 sixes. India needed a strong response to chase down this total.

However, the Indian batting lineup crumbled under pressure, with the Pakistani pace trio of Ali Reza (4/42), Mohammad Sayyam (2/38), and Abdul Subhan (2/29) dismantling their top order, leading to India's total of just 156 runs in 26.2 overs.

India's innings began with promise, as Vaibhav Suryavanshi struck two sixes and a four in the first over, scoring 21 runs off Raza. Aaron George also started well, hitting three consecutive fours in the fourth over, pushing India to a quick start.

The momentum shifted dramatically when George was dismissed on the last ball of the fourth over, caught by Mohammad Shayan after misplaying a pull shot off Sayyam.

The situation worsened for India as Suryavanshi fell to a good-length delivery from Raza, which edged to the wicketkeeper Zahoor Hamza, leaving India reeling at 49 for 3.

The Pakistani bowlers continued to dominate, making the pitch seem treacherous for the Indian batsmen. Vedant Trivedi and Kanishk Chouhan also fell victim to the relentless pace attack.

India's last glimmer of hope rested on Abhigyan Kundu, who was dropped on 12 but soon fell to a catch at third man after attempting an upper cut.

Earlier, Minhas had showcased his batting prowess, attacking every Indian bowler, particularly targeting Kishan Singh and Deepesh Devendran. He reached his century in just 71 balls, marking his second hundred of the tournament.

Minhas' six in the 28th over was a highlight, showcasing his skill as he launched a delivery from Mhatre into the stands. Although he looked poised for a double century, he was eventually caught off a slower ball from Devendran.

Pakistan's innings was bolstered by a solid partnership between Minhas and Usman Khan (35), which added 92 runs to the total. Ahmed Hussain also contributed significantly with a score of 56, helping Pakistan set a formidable target.