KEY POINTS
- India and Pakistan both secured dominant 8-wicket wins in their semi-finals to set up a high-stakes U19 Asia Cup final on Sunday.
- Pakistan’s Abdul Subhan (4/20) starred with the ball before Sameer Minhas’ unbeaten 69 sealed a crushing win over Bangladesh.
- India’s chase was anchored by an unbroken 114-run partnership between Aaron George (58) and Vihaan Malhotra (61) against Sri Lanka.
- Both semi-finals were shortened due to rain, reduced to 27 and 20 overs per side, respectively.
DUBAI: The stage is set for cricket’s greatest rivalry at the youth level after Pakistan and India powered through their respective semi-finals with commanding eight-wicket victories on Friday. They will now meet in the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Pakistan’s Ruthless Display
In the semi-final, Pakistan Under-19s delivered a performance of sheer dominance to crush Bangladesh by 8 wickets with a staggering 63 balls to spare. The match was reduced to 27 overs per side due to heavy rain early on.
Bangladesh, opting to bat first, were strangled by a disciplined Pakistani attack and bundled out for a meagre 121 in 26.3 overs. Only Samiun Basir (33) offered prolonged resistance. Off-spinner Abdul Subhan was the chief destroyer, returning magnificent figures of 4 for 20 from his six overs to dismantle the middle order.
The chase was a straightforward affair led by opener Sameer Minhas. His unbeaten 69 off 57 balls, combined with Usman Khan’s brisk 27, ensured Pakistan galloped to the target of 122 in just 16.3 overs without any anxiety. Subhan was rightly named Player of the Match for his match-defining spell.
India’s Calm Under Pressure
Earlier in the day, India Under-19s showcased maturity to overcome a shaky start and defeat Sri Lanka by 8 wickets with 12 balls remaining. Early heavy rain caused the match to be shortened to 20 overs per side.
Sri Lanka posted 138/8 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to Chamika Heenatigala (42) and Sethmika Seneviratne (30). India’s chase stumbled early at 25/2, but any nerves were settled by a magnificent, unbroken 114-run partnership between Aaron George (58 off 49)* and Vihaan Malhotra (61 off 45)*.
The pair blended caution with aggression in a chase masterclass, with George earning the Player of the Match award.
The Grand Finale Awaits
The results have paved the way for the dream final that tournament organizers and fans had hoped for. The final on Sunday promises a high-voltage clash between two well-rounded teams.
India will rely on their batting depth and collective bowling effort, exemplified in the semi-final. Pakistan, meanwhile, will enter with immense confidence from a near-perfect all-round display, boasting both a potent bowling attack and in-form top-order batters.
Final Fixture:
India Under-19s vs Pakistan Under-19s
Dubai International Stadium, Sunday, December 21, 2025
