ISLAMABAD: Pakistan delivered a commanding all-round performance to thrash arch-rivals India by 191 runs in the Under-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday, dominating the contest with both bat and ball.
India, who were undefeated in the tournament, won the toss and put Pakistan to bat first. The decision did not pan out well for the Blue Shirts as Pakistan were off to a flying start, powered by opener Sameer Minhas and middle-order batter Usman Khan.
The two built a 92-run partnership before Khan returned to the pavilion. Minhas, however, kept on piling the runs and smashed a clinical 172-run knock to lead Pakistan to a commanding total of 347-8 from 50 overs. Ahmed Hussain scored 56 runs off 72 deliveries.
In response, India were in the game for the first few overs, but after that, it was all Pakistan, with bowlers picking up wickets at regular intervals. The Indian side collapsed at 156 runs from 26.2 overs. Minhas was declared player-of-the-match and player-of-the-series.
“It was a good innings... we wanted to bat first looking at the track,” Minhas said. “It is very memorable for me.”
Ali Raza picking up 4 wickets for Pakistan, while Deepesh Devendran was the pick of the Indian bowlers, returning figures of 3-83.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated the U19 team on the impressive victory.
“Impressive victory over India in final shows young players’ dedication and resolve,” he said on X. “A proud moment for the nation. Appreciation to captain, team, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, and coaches.”
