Pakistan U19 clinched the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 with a commanding 191-run victory over arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. India, chasing a massive 348, collapsed under pressure and was bowled out for just 156, falling short of a record-extending ninth U19 Asia Cup title.
Pakistan’s Mammoth First Innings
Pakistan U19 posted a formidable 347/8 in 50 overs, powered by opener Sameer Minhas, who delivered a sensational 172 off 113 balls. Minhas reached his fifty in just 29 balls and completed his century in 71 deliveries, including 17 fours and nine sixes at a strike rate of 152.21. His innings set the record for the highest individual score in an Under-19 Asia Cup final and surpassed Shahzaib Khan to become Pakistan’s highest scorer in Youth ODIs. It now ranks as the eighth-highest score in Youth ODI history.
Having opened the tournament with a blistering 177 against Malaysia, Minhas once again rose to the occasion on the biggest stage. He anchored key partnerships of 92 runs with Usman Khan (35 off 45 balls) and 137 runs with Ahmed Hussain (56 off 72 balls). After Minhas was dismissed at 302 in the 42.5th over, caught at long-on by Kanishk Chouhan off Deepesh Devendran, Pakistan lost momentum, but Niqab Shafiq (12*) and Mohammad Sayyam (13*) remained unbeaten to close the innings.
India’s Batting Collapse
Chasing 348, India’s innings unravelled early, losing five wickets inside the first 10 overs. The team couldn’t recover and were eventually bowled out for 156. Deepesh Devendran led Pakistan’s bowling with 3/83, supported by Khilan Patel (2/44) and Henil Patel (2/62). Despite India’s unbeaten run to the final, they fell short of claiming the title.
Earlier Encounter Between the Sides
Earlier in the tournament, India had posted 240 in 46.1 overs, powered by Aaron George’s 85 off 88 balls and Kanishk Chouhan’s 46. Pakistan’s Mohammad Sayyam and Abdul Subhan claimed three wickets each, while Huzaifa Ahsan’s fighting 70 in 83 balls went in vain. Deepesh Devendran (3/16) and Kanishk Chouhan (3/33) starred with the ball for India in that match.
Playing XIs
India U19: Ayush Mhatre (captain), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George, Vihaan Malhotra, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wicketkeeper), Kanishk Chouhan, Henil Patel, Khilan Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Kishan Kumar Singh.
Pakistan U19: Sameer Minhas, Usman Khan, Ahmed Hussain, Farhan Yousaf (captain), Hamza Zahoor (wicketkeeper), Huzaifa Ahsan, Niqab Shafiq, Mohammad Shayan, Ali Raza, Abdul Subhan, Mohammad Sayyam.