In a pulsating finale that had fans on the edge of their seats, Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team delivered a resounding statement by thrashing India by 191 runs to claim their first exclusive Under-19 Asia Cup title in Dubai on December 21, 2025. The young Green Shirts, led by captain Farhan Yousuf, put on a show for the ages, outplaying their arch-rivals in every department to end a 13-year wait for the coveted trophy.
Pakistan’s victory was built on a record-shattering batting performance, with opener Sameer Minhas stealing the spotlight. The right-hander smashed a breathtaking 172 off just 113 balls, peppering the Dubai International Cricket Stadium with 17 boundaries and nine towering sixes. Minhas, who completed his century off a mere 71 balls, was in a league of his own, blending composure with fearless aggression to anchor Pakistan’s innings and break the spirit of the Indian bowlers.
Minhas’ masterclass was the backbone of Pakistan’s imposing total of 347 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. He found able support in Ahmed Hussain, who chipped in with a well-constructed 56, and Usman Khan, who added a brisk 35. Captain Farhan Yousuf (19) and Hamza Zahoor (18) contributed handy runs, ensuring the team never lost momentum despite a late burst of wickets from India’s bowlers.
India’s decision to field first after winning the toss—backed by captain Ayush Mhatre’s confidence in his bowling attack—seemed sound at the start. However, Minhas’ relentless assault quickly turned the tide. The Indian bowlers, led by Dipesh Devendran (3 for 83), Khelan Patel, and Hanil Patel (two wickets each), managed to pull things back in the death overs, but the damage had been done. A late flurry of wickets gave India a glimmer of hope, but Minhas’ knock had already set a daunting target of 348.
Chasing a mountain of runs, India’s famed batting line-up wilted under the pressure of Pakistan’s disciplined bowling. Dipesh Devendran tried valiantly, top-scoring with 36, while Surya Vanshi (26), Arun Patel (19), and Arun George (16) made starts but couldn’t convert them into match-defining innings. As wickets tumbled at regular intervals, the chase never really got going.
Ali Raza was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers, claiming four wickets and rattling the Indian top order. He was ably supported by Muhammad Siyam, Abdul Subhan, and Huzayfa Ahsan, who took two wickets apiece. The relentless pressure and sharp fielding from Pakistan ensured India were bowled out for just 156 in 24 overs, sparking wild celebrations among the Pakistani players and their supporters.
Reflecting on the triumph, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousuf had declared before the match, "The team's morale is high and the players are determined to perform well in the final." That self-belief was evident as the team executed their plans to perfection, avenging their group-stage defeat to India—where they had lost by 90 runs—and turning the tables in emphatic fashion when it mattered most.
For India, the final was a stark contrast to their dominant run throughout the tournament. The young Colts, who had cruised unbeaten through Group A and dispatched Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the semifinals, simply could not match Pakistan’s intensity on the big stage. India’s batting, which had crossed the 400-run mark twice in the tournament—including a record-breaking 209* by Abhigyan Kundu and a 171 by Vaibhav Suryavanshi in earlier matches—crumbled under the pressure of a relentless Pakistan attack.
Pakistan’s journey to the title was marked by resilience and flair. After defeating Bangladesh by eight wickets in the semifinals, the team entered the final with confidence. Sameer Minhas, who finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 471 runs in five innings, was deservedly named both Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament. His consistency and ability to rise to the occasion made him the standout performer, and his 172 in the final will be remembered as one of the great innings in Under-19 cricket.
“I didn’t feel any pressure about facing India,” Minhas said after receiving his awards. “I just concentrated on playing my own game, and that helped me play a brilliant knock.” His calmness under pressure and aggressive shot selection left a lasting impression on fans and pundits alike.
The bowling attack, spearheaded by Ali Raza and supported by the likes of Abdul Subhan (who finished the tournament with 11 wickets) and Muhammad Sayyam (eight wickets), proved too much for India’s much-vaunted batting line-up. Their ability to strike early and maintain pressure throughout the innings was a key factor in Pakistan’s historic win.
The atmosphere in Dubai was electric, with fans from both sides turning out in large numbers. The presentation ceremony saw Pakistan’s players collect their winners’ medals from ACC Chairman and PCB president Mohsin Naqvi, who congratulated the team amid jubilant scenes. Sarfaraz Ahmed, a former Pakistan captain and now mentor of the junior team, was also seen basking in the glory, drawing parallels to his own triumph over India in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final.
This victory holds special significance for Pakistan. While they had previously shared the Asia Cup title with India in 2012, this was their first time lifting the trophy as sole champions. The win also signals a bright future for Pakistan cricket, with a new generation of stars announcing themselves on the big stage.
For India, the loss will sting, but the tournament showcased the depth and talent in their ranks. Ayush Mhatre, reflecting on the defeat, credited Pakistan’s batters for their effort and called it "one of the off days for the team." With emerging talents like Abhigyan Kundu and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, India’s future remains promising despite the setback.
As the dust settles in Dubai, Pakistan’s Under-19 team stands tall, having conquered their rivals and claimed the Asia Cup in style. The celebrations are sure to continue back home, where hopes will be high that these youngsters can carry their success into the senior ranks in the years to come.