Pakistan produced a commanding all-round performance to thrash India by 191 runs in the final and clinch their second Under-19 Asia Cup title, gaining vital momentum ahead of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia next month.
With the U19 World Cup scheduled to begin on January 15, Pakistan could not have timed their surge better, dominating the summit clash as they posted a massive 347 before bowling India out for 156, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC) website.
Opening batter Sameer Minhas was the star of the show, hammering a sensational 172 off just 113 balls to put the Indian bowling attack under relentless pressure. He was well supported by Ahmed Hussain, who struck a composed half-century (56), as Pakistan piled on the runs.
India’s Deepesh Devendran returned figures of three wickets, but the damage had already been done by Pakistan’s top order.
Chasing a daunting target, India began briskly with Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashing 26 off just 10 balls.
However, the innings quickly unravelled as Pakistan’s pace attack struck in quick succession, reducing India to five wickets down inside 10 overs with fewer than 70 runs on the board.
Ali Raza spearheaded the bowling effort with figures of 4/42, while Mohammad Sayyam, Abdul Subhan, and Huzaifa Ahsan chipped in with two wickets apiece. India were eventually bundled out for 156 in 26.2 overs, despite some late fireworks from Devendran, who top-scored for India with a 36-ball 16.
Earlier in the tournament, India had defeated Pakistan by 90 runs in the group stage after defending a total of 240, entering the semi-finals unbeaten.
India is yet to announce their squad for the upcoming Under-19 World Cup, while Pakistan named its playing group earlier this month.
