Sameer Minhas delivered a once-in-a-generation performance as Pakistan crushed arch-rivals India to lift the Under-19 Asia Cup in Dubai, registering a thumping 191-run victory in the final. The opener’s breathtaking 172 laid the foundation for a win that underlined Pakistan’s all-round dominance throughout the tournament.
Minhas was simply unstoppable at the top of the order, tearing into the Indian attack with fearless strokeplay. His 172 came off just 113 balls and featured 17 fours and nine towering sixes, making it the highest individual score ever recorded by a Pakistan batter — and by any player — in a Youth ODI final. Scoring at a strike rate of over 152, Minhas held the innings together before falling in the 43rd over, having already inflicted irreparable damage.
He found able support in Ahmed Hussain, the only other Pakistan batter to pass fifty. Hussain’s composed 56 off 72 balls complemented Minhas’ aggression, and together they stitched a decisive 137-run partnership for the third wicket. Pakistan eventually posted a formidable 347 for 8, despite slowing slightly at the death after Minhas’ dismissal.
India’s reply began at breakneck speed, led by Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who launched an early counterattack with three sixes and a four. However, Ali Raza halted the charge by removing him for a 10-ball 26, and the innings unraveled rapidly thereafter. India raced to 50 inside five overs but then collapsed dramatically, sliding to 68 for 5 by the end of the powerplay.
Pakistan’s bowlers maintained the ruthless efficiency they had shown all tournament, sharing the wickets and never allowing India to regain control. Raza once again stood out, claiming 4 for 42 to cap off an outstanding final. India were reduced to 120 for 9, with no batter able to mount a meaningful recovery.
Deepesh Devendran offered brief resistance with a late flourish, scoring 36 off 16 balls, but his effort only delayed the inevitable. Raza ended the contest by having Devendran caught in the 27th over, dismissing India for 156.
Earlier, Devendran had endured a torrid time with the ball, conceding 83 runs despite picking up three wickets at the death — a stat that summed up India’s struggles on the day.
The emphatic win not only delivered Pakistan the Under-19 Asia Cup title but also served as a powerful statement ahead of the upcoming Under-19 World Cup, with Minhas’ record-breaking innings standing out as the defining moment of the tournament.
