Minhas’ Record Knock Powers Pakistan to Crushing Win Over India in U-19 Asia Cup Final

Sameer Minhas produced a batting masterclass as Pakistan demolished India by 191 runs in the Under-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai, completing a dominant campaign ahead of the upcoming Under-19 World Cup.

Minhas, opening the batting, blazed his way to a sensational 172 off 113 balls, the highest individual score by a Pakistan batter and the highest by any player in a Youth ODI final. His innings, studded with 17 fours and nine sixes, set the foundation for Pakistan’s imposing total of 347 for 8. Minhas struck at 152.21 before being dismissed in the 43rd over.

He was well supported by Ahmed Hussain, who scored a composed 56 off 72 deliveries. The pair added a crucial 137-run partnership for the third wicket, putting India firmly on the back foot. Although Pakistan slowed slightly in the death overs—scoring 71 runs in the final ten overs while losing five wickets—the damage had already been done.

In reply, India’s chase began at a frenetic pace, led by Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The opener smashed three sixes and a four in a rapid 26 off just 10 balls, but his dismissal in the fifth over triggered a dramatic collapse. Ali Raza induced an edge to remove Suryavanshi, and India never recovered.

India reached 50 inside five overs, but wickets fell in quick succession. By the end of the powerplay, they were reeling at 68 for 5. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, continuing a tournament-long trend of dismantling opposition batting line-ups.

Raza spearheaded the attack, finishing with impressive match figures of 4 for 42, while four Pakistan bowlers shared the wickets. India were reduced to 120 for 9 before Deepesh Devendran provided brief resistance, scoring a spirited 36 off 16 balls with six fours and two sixes. He was eventually dismissed in the 27th over, ending India’s innings at 156 in 26.2 overs. No other Indian batter crossed the 30-run mark.

Earlier, Devendran had endured a tough outing with the ball, conceding 83 runs in his ten overs despite picking up three wickets at the death.

Pakistan’s emphatic victory capped a flawless tournament in which they bowled out every opponent they faced. The comprehensive win not only secured the Asia Cup title but also underlined Pakistan’s credentials as strong contenders heading into the Under-19 World Cup.