Pakistan U19 clinch Asia Cup title after Sameer Minhas masterclass versus India

Pakistan U19 produced a dominant performance to crush India U19 by 191 runs in the final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup at the ICC Cricket Academy Ground in Dubai on Sunday, securing their first outright title after previously sharing the trophy in 2012.

Batting first, Pakistan racked up a formidable 347 for 8 in 50 overs, with every major contributor playing their part. Sameer Minhas led the charge with a breathtaking 172 off 113 balls, hitting 17 fours and nine sixes. He was well supported by Usman Khan, who scored 35 from 45 deliveries, and Ahmed Hussain, whose fluent 56 off 45 balls kept the run rate high through the middle overs. Captain Farhan Yousaf added a quick 19 from 18 balls, while the lower order chipped in late, with Niqab Shafiq finishing unbeaten on 12 off 17 balls and Mohammad Sayyam scoring an unbeaten 13 from just eight deliveries to push Pakistan to a daunting total.

In reply, Pakistan’s bowlers wrapped up the contest in emphatic fashion, bowling India out for 156 in 26.2 overs. Ali Raza starred with the ball, claiming four wickets to dismantle the top order. Mohammad Sayyam and Abdul Subhan picked up two wickets each, while Huzaifa Ahsan also struck twice to ensure India never threatened the target.

Sameer Minhas capped off a memorable tournament by being named player of the match for his century and player of the tournament after amassing 471 runs in five matches at an extraordinary average of 157.

Pakistan U19 will now head to Zimbabwe for a tri-series featuring Afghanistan and the hosts, starting on Thursday, 25 December, ahead of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, which will be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia from 15 January to 6 February 2026.