Dubai, December 21, 2025 — On the shortest day of the year, Pakistan Under-19s produced a performance so emphatic it will live long in youth-cricket folklore. In the final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup at the ICC Academy Ground, Dubai, Pakistan Under-19 cricket team dismantled India Under-19 cricket team by a staggering 191 runs—a margin that reads like a manifesto.
Pakistan’s 347/8 was not merely competitive; it was commanding. What followed was ruthless execution with the ball, skittling India for 156 in 26.2 overs. This was not a win snatched on a good day—it was authority asserted under lights, pressure, and expectation.
The Scoreboard Symphony: Pakistan’s Onslaught
The innings began briskly and built into a crescendo. Hamza Zahoor (wk) lit the fuse with 18 off 14, but the night belonged to Sameer Minhas. At 17, he played a once-in-a-generation knock: 172 off 113 balls*, studded with 17 fours and 9 sixes, striking at 152.21. In a cruel irony for the opposition, Minhas alone outscored India’s entire innings by 16 runs.
Partnerships told the story of control:
-
92 for the second wicket with Usman Khan (35 off 45)
-
137 for the third with Ahmed Hussain (56 off 72)
-
42 in a flash with captain Farhan Yousaf (19 off 18)
Late wickets did little to slow the tempo. Niqab Shafiq (12*) and Mohammad Sayyam (13*) ensured Pakistan closed with momentum intact. India’s bowlers fought, but the numbers were unforgiving—extras leaked, lengths missed, and the powerplay was owned: 79/0 in the first 10.
