Key points
- Defeat India by 191-run margin in final
- Sameer Minhas scores record-breaking 172 runs
- Team welcomed home with celebrations and rose petals
LAHORE: Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team was given a jubilant reception on its return home after lifting the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup, sealing the title with a convincing victory over India in the final in Dubai — a result that underscored the country’s growing strength in youth cricket.
A large crowd of cricket fans gathered at the airport to congratulate the team on their historic triumph. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team on their historic Asia Cup victory over India, praising the young players for their talent, discipline and determination. The Prime Minister welcomed the team on their return and announced a cash reward of Rs 10 million for each member of the squad in recognition of their achievement.
A video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on social media showed players and coaching staff being greeted with bouquets and heartfelt congratulations.
PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed led the reception, praising the young cricketers for their historic achievement. Supporters also gathered to celebrate, showering the team with rose petals.
Pakistan produced a dominant all-round performance in the final, bowling India out for 156 in 26.2 overs while defending a massive total of 347, eventually winning by 191 runs. India initially showed intent as opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi put together a brisk 32-run partnership with captain Ayush Mhatre.
However, Mhatre fell for just two runs in the fourth over to Ali Raza, and Aaron George, who had previously scored a match-winning fifty against Pakistan, was dismissed for 16 by Mohammad Sayyam in the next over. Suryavanshi, India’s most threatening batter at the top, struck 26 from 10 balls, including three sixes, but was soon dismissed by Ali Raza, reducing India to 49/3.
Comprehensive performance
Despite a late flourish from Deepesh Devendran, who scored 36 off 16 balls with six fours and two sixes, India were bundled out for a modest total. Ali Raza led the bowling effort with figures of 4/42 in 6.2 overs, supported by Abdul Subhan, Mohammad Sayyam, and Huzaifa Ahsan, who each took two wickets.
Pakistan’s innings, batting first, was built on a record-breaking knock by Sameer Minhas. Openers Minhas and Hamza Zahoor put on 31 runs before Zahoor was dismissed for 18. Usman Khan then joined Minhas to forge a 92-run partnership for the second wicket.
Minhas went on to add 137 runs for the third wicket with Ahmed Hussain, who scored 56, before combining with captain Farhan Yousaf for a further 42 runs. Minhas finished unbeaten on 172 off 113 balls, featuring 17 fours and nine sixes.
Despite a late wobble that saw four wickets tumble, including Yousaf for 19, Mohammad Sayyam and Niqab Shafiq ensured the innings ended at a formidable 347/8.
