Pakistan Dominate India to Lift U19 Asia Cup Ahead of WC

By Harshit - Dec 22, 2025 04:58 PM
Last updated on Dec 22, 2025 04:58 PM

Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team delivered a statement performance by overpowering arch-rivals India in the final of the U19 Asia Cup, showcasing their readiness for the upcoming ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. The emphatic victory not only earned them the continental title but also injected confidence into a squad peaking at the right time.

With the global tournament in Zimbabwe and Namibia just weeks away, the timing of this triumph could not be better. Pakistan’s young cricketers combined discipline, aggression and composure to dismantle India in Dubai, sending a strong message to other contenders ahead of the marquee event.

Pakistan lift second U19 Asia Cup title in style

Pakistan put on a dominant show with both bat and ball to clinch their second Under-19 Asia Cup title. Facing India in the decider, they delivered a performance marked by clinical execution and relentless pressure from start to finish.

The 191-run victory was one of the most commanding wins in the history of the tournament’s finals. It highlighted the depth of Pakistan’s youth setup and underlined their ability to rise to the occasion against top opposition.

Momentum builds ahead of U19 World Cup

With the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup set to begin on January 15, Pakistan head into the competition with significant momentum. Winning a major regional tournament has boosted belief within the camp and sharpened competitive instincts.

The Asia Cup triumph also provided clarity around combinations and roles, allowing the team management to fine-tune strategies ahead of the demanding World Cup schedule in southern Africa.

Sameer Minhas produces a match-winning masterclass

Opening batter Sameer Minhas was the standout performer of the final, producing a breathtaking innings that dismantled the Indian bowling attack. His fluent stroke play and controlled aggression set the tone for Pakistan’s imposing total.

Minhas’ 172 off just 113 balls was a display of maturity beyond his years, blending timing with power. His knock ensured Pakistan seized early control and never allowed India to settle into the contest.

Pakistan post a daunting total

Powered by Minhas’ heroics and valuable contributions from the middle order, Pakistan piled up a formidable 347 on the board. The total immediately put India under pressure and demanded a near-perfect chase.

Ahmed Hussain’s crucial half-century provided stability after the early surge, ensuring Pakistan maintained momentum through the innings and capitalised fully on the strong platform.

Indian bowlers struggle to contain the flow of runs

India found it difficult to halt Pakistan’s scoring, with the batters rotating strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries. Despite the challenging conditions, the bowlers struggled to find breakthroughs at key moments.

Deepesh Devendran emerged as the most successful bowler for India, claiming three wickets. However, the damage had already been done as Pakistan crossed the 300-run mark with ease.

India’s chase falters after quick start

India began the chase with early intent, as Vaibhav Suryavanshi provided a brisk start at the top of the order. His quick-fire runs briefly lifted hopes of a competitive response.

However, the momentum was short-lived. Pakistan’s pace attack struck in rapid succession, leaving India reeling at five wickets down within the first ten overs and effectively ending the contest early.

Pakistan pacers dominate with the ball

Ali Raza led Pakistan’s bowling charge with a fiery spell, finishing with figures of 4 for 42. His ability to extract movement and maintain discipline proved decisive against India’s top and middle order.

He was well supported by Mohammad Sayyam, Abdul Subhan and Huzaifa Ahsan, who chipped in with two wickets each. The collective effort ensured India were never allowed to build partnerships.

Lower-order resistance proves insufficient

India’s lower order showed flashes of resistance, with Deepesh Devendran playing a spirited cameo. His 36 off 16 balls provided brief entertainment and pushed the total past the 150-run mark.

Despite the late flourish, India were eventually bowled out for 156 in just 26.2 overs, underlining the gulf between the two sides on the day.

A contrast to the group stage meeting

The final result stood in stark contrast to the earlier group stage encounter between the two teams. In that match, India had successfully defended a total of 240 runs, winning by a comfortable margin.

Pakistan’s emphatic turnaround in the final showcased their adaptability and growth over the course of the tournament, learning from earlier setbacks to deliver when it mattered most.

Selection scenarios ahead of the World Cup

Pakistan have already announced their squad for the upcoming Under-19 World Cup, providing stability and clarity as preparations intensify. The Asia Cup win has further strengthened confidence in the chosen group.

India, meanwhile, are yet to name their World Cup squad, giving selectors additional considerations following the heavy defeat in the final.

Confidence boost for Pakistan’s young stars

The comprehensive win has given Pakistan’s young cricketers belief that they can compete with and dominate top teams. Individual performances across departments have highlighted the depth of talent available.

Such confidence is invaluable heading into a global tournament, where mental strength and momentum often play a decisive role.

Clear message sent to World Cup rivals

By outclassing India in a high-pressure final, Pakistan have sent a clear message to other Under-19 World Cup contenders. Their blend of aggressive batting and disciplined bowling makes them a formidable unit.

Opponents will now view Pakistan as one of the teams to beat, especially given their ability to deliver under spotlight conditions.

Road ahead towards the global stage

As preparations continue for the World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia, Pakistan will look to build on this success by maintaining consistency and focus. Fine-tuning skills and managing expectations will be key.

The Asia Cup triumph has laid a strong foundation, and if Pakistan can replicate this level of performance, they could emerge as serious title contenders on the world stage.

A perfect build-up to the marquee event

Winning the U19 Asia Cup in such dominant fashion has provided Pakistan with the ideal build-up to the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. It has combined confidence, clarity and cohesion within the squad.

With form and momentum firmly on their side, Pakistan’s young stars will head into the global tournament believing they can go all the way.

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