KEY POINTS
- Sameer Minhas’ unbeaten 177 anchors Pakistan’s 345.
- Ahmed Hussain supports with 132 in a 203-run partnership.
- Malaysia collapses for 48 against a ruthless bowling attack.
- Mohammad Sayyam and Ali Raza share six wickets in dominant win.
DUBAI: A brutal batting masterclass from Sameer Minhas and Ahmed Hussain, followed by a devastating bowling performance, propelled Pakistan to a crushing 297-run victory over Malaysia in their ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 campaign opener at the Sevens Stadium on Friday.
Asked to bat first after Malaysian captain Deeaz Patro won the toss, Pakistan recovered from an early stumble to post a formidable 345/3, largely thanks to a monumental third-wicket partnership.
The platform was set by Sameer Minhas, who played a career-defining knock, carrying his bat with an unbeaten 177 from just 148 balls. His innings, laced with 11 fours and eight sixes, was the cornerstone of the innings.
He found a perfect ally in Ahmed Hussain, who scored a brisk 132 off 144 deliveries. Together, they added a match-turning 203 runs for the third wicket at a rapid pace, both bringing up commanding centuries and leaving the Malaysian bowlers helpless. Their stand was only broken in the penultimate over by a bizarre hit-wicket dismissal for Ahmed.
Excellent partnership between Sameer Minhas and Ahmed Hussain as both complete their half-centuries 🏏🤝
Pakistan U19 are 159-2 after 33 overs.#PakistanFutureStars | #PAKvMAL | #U19AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/Kyo9aOWFv3
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 12, 2025
For Malaysia, Nagineswaran Sathnakumaran took two wickets but proved expensive.
The chase was never a contest. Set a daunting 346 for victory, Malaysia’s batting unit imploded against a ruthless bowling effort from Pakistan’s attack. The innings lasted a mere 19.4 overs, with the associate nation bundled out for a paltry 48 runs.
The new-ball bowlers, Mohammad Sayyam and Ali Raza, were relentless, sharing six wickets between them (three apiece) to dismantle the top order.
Daniyal Ali Khan provided excellent support with two wickets. Muhammad Akram’s scratchy nine was the highest score for Malaysia, as none of their batters reached double figures.
The comprehensive victory marks a perfect start for the Green Shirts in their campaign, showcasing their all-around strength and setting a formidable standard for the tournament.
