Pakistan annex Under-19 Men’s Asia Cup title

By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: Pakistan Under-19 crushed India Under-19 by a massive 191 runs to win the Asia Cup Under-19 Men’s One-Day tournament on Sunday powered by a dazzling century from Sameer Minhas at the ICC Academy in Dubai.
Minhas smashed 172 off 113 balls, laced with 17 fours and nine sixes, as Pakistan piled up an imposing 347 for eight in their 50 overs after being sent into bat. India were then skittled out for 156 in just 26.2 overs, overwhelmed by a relentless Pakistani bowling attack.
The victory handed Pakistan their second Asia Cup Under-19 title. Their previous triumph came in 2012 when Pakistan and India were declared joint champions after a tied final.
Minhas was the undisputed star of the final, registering his second century of the tournament. Earlier, he had struck an unbeaten 177 against Malaysia, underlining his dominance throughout the competition. In the final, he anchored Pakistan’s innings with key partnerships, adding 92 runs for the second wicket with Usman Khan and 137 for the third wicket with Ahmed Hussain.
Usman contributed 35 runs while Ahmed chipped in with a solid 56, providing crucial support as Pakistan steadily accelerated to a daunting total. India’s Dipesh Devendran was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets for 83 runs.
Chasing a steep target, India’s reply never gained momentum as Pakistani bowlers struck at regular intervals. Vaibhav Suryavanshi hit three sixes and a four on his way to 26 before being caught by wicketkeeper Hamza Zahoor off Ali Raza. Zahoor played a decisive role behind the stumps, also dismissing captain Mhatre, Kanshik Chauhan and top-scorer Devendran, who made 36. Zahoor finished with four dismissals, conceding 42 runs in the process.
Mohammad Siyam, Abdul Subhan and Jazifa Ahsan each took two wickets as India collapsed rapidly, leaving Pakistan to celebrate a commanding win and a dominant tournament campaign.
Meanwhile the PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi congratulated the Pakistan Under-19 team on defeating India in the Asia Cup Under-19 final.
“The players put on a brilliant performance and defeated traditional rivals India,” said Mohsin Naqvi.
“Sameer Minhas’ batting performance in the win against India was highly commendable. This success is the result of excellent strategy and strong teamwork,” Naqvi said.
“The victory reflects the players’ outstanding performance in batting, bowling and fielding. This win is a moment of great joy and pride for cricket fans. The PCB’s investment in rising stars has paid off in the form of this outstanding victory, which is truly praiseworthy,” he added.
Naqvi also met the players and congratulated them on winning the Asia Cup.
He praised Sameer Minhas for his outstanding batting performance and also lauded the overall excellent performance of the players.
The PCB chief also congratulated head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and the management staff on the team’s success.
Mohsin Naqvi also met cricket fans who came to the ground to support the Pakistan team. The fans congratulated him on Pakistan Under-19’s Asia Cup triumph.

Summarised score:
Asia Cup Under-19 Men’s One-Day Final
At ICC Academy, Dubai
December 21
Pakistan Under-19 347-8 (50 overs)
Sameer Minhas 172 (113 balls, 17×4, 9×6),
Ahmed Hussain 56, Usman Khan 35
Dipesh Devendran 3-83

India Under-19 156 all out (26.2 overs)
Dipesh Devendran 36,
Vaibhav Suryavanshi 26
Hamza Zahoor 4-42
Mohammad Siyam 2 wickets
Abdul Subhan 2 wickets
Jazifa Ahsan 2 wickets

Result: Pakistan Under-19 won by 191 runs
Man of the Match: Sameer Minhas
Pakistan won the Asia Cup Under-19 title