U19 Asia Cup final: India suffers embarrassing defeat as Pakistan lifts trophy
Pakistan had first lifted the title in 2012, when the final against India in Malaysia ended in a tie and the trophy was shared.
PTC News Desk: India’s hopes of an eighth U19 Asia Cup title ended in disappointment in Dubai, as Pakistan delivered a crushing 191-run victory in a one-sided final at the ICC Academy Ground. Rising to the occasion, Pakistan completely outplayed their arch-rivals to secure their second U19 Asia Cup crown in emphatic fashion.
Pakistan had first lifted the title in 2012, when the final against India in Malaysia ended in a tie and the trophy was shared. Thirteen years later, they returned to the top with authority, registering the second-largest margin of victory in the history of U19 Asia Cup finals — behind only Bangladesh’s 195-run win over the UAE in 2023. Sameer Minhas starred with a brilliant 71-ball century on Sunday, before Farhan Yousaf’s side wrapped up the contest by bowling India out for just 156 in a dramatic collapse that lasted only 26.2 overs.
A key figure behind Pakistan’s success was head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, who once again extended his remarkable record against India in finals. In 2006, Sarfaraz had captained Pakistan to U19 World Cup glory with a 38-run win over India. Eleven years later, he led Pakistan to a dominant 180-run victory over India in the Champions Trophy final at The Oval. Now, eight years on, he added another milestone — this time as coach — by guiding the U19 team to a historic Asia Cup triumph.
Sameer Minhas leads the charge
Pakistan suffered an early setback with the loss of Hamza Zahoor, but Sameer Minhas steadied the innings alongside Usman Khan, with the duo putting together a rapid 92-run stand for the second wicket. An explosive Powerplay that produced 79 runs set the momentum, as Minhas went on the offensive against the Indian bowlers. He reached his half-century in just 29 balls, taking Pakistan past 100 in only 12.3 overs. Even Usman’s dismissal for 56 failed to halt the surge, as Minhas then joined forces with Ahmed Hussain to add a dominant 137-run partnership for the third wicket, firmly putting Pakistan in control.