Pakistan produced a commanding all-round performance to overwhelm India by 191 runs in the Under-19 Asia Cup final, played in Dubai on Sunday.
Chasing a daunting target of 348, India’s innings unravelled rapidly as they were bundled out for just 156 in 26.2 overs, sealing a comprehensive victory for Pakistan in the summit clash.
The high-voltage encounter lived up to the intensity associated with the India–Pakistan rivalry, with tempers flaring and emotions running high throughout the contest.
Explosive Start, Early Flashpoint
India began their chase with intent as opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi dramatically announced himself, launching a six off the very first ball he faced.
Reading Ali Raza’s short-of-a-length delivery early, Vaibhav swivelled into a pull shot that sailed over deep square leg and out of the ground, helping India collect 21 runs from the opening over.
However, the fireworks were short-lived. In the fifth over, Vaibhav attempted another attacking stroke off a short delivery outside off stump, only to feather an edge.
Hamza Zahoor sprinted back and pulled off a sensational overhead catch. The dismissal sparked animated celebrations from the Pakistani camp, followed by an aggressive send-off that escalated into a heated exchange.
Vaibhav, dismissed for a brisk 26 off 10 balls (1 four, 3 sixes), responded with a provocative gesture, momentarily raising tensions on the field.
Captain Falls Early as Pakistan Tightens Grip
India’s troubles deepened almost immediately when skipper Ayush Mhatre departed in the second over.
Driving at a full-length delivery from Ali Raza around off stump, Ayush failed to keep the ball down and chipped a straightforward catch to mid-off, safely taken by Farhan Yousaf. Ayush managed just 2 runs off 7 balls.
Ali Raza’s animated reaction after the wicket led to a brief verbal exchange, prompting the umpire to check for a front-foot no-ball.
The delivery, however, was legal, and Pakistan tightened its stranglehold on the match.
Pakistan Capitalise Despite Missed Chances
Earlier, during Pakistan’s innings, India missed crucial opportunities that proved costly.
Hamza Zahoor was reprieved in the second over when a miscued lofted shot off Henil Patel fell safely between fielders at mid-on and mid-wicket due to poor coordination.
Pakistan continued to build its imposing total. Usman Khan looked set before falling for a composed 35 off 45 balls (three fours and a six), attempting a pull shot off Khilan Patel.
Although Kishan Singh initially fumbled the chance at long-on, he recovered brilliantly to complete the catch on the second attempt.
The highlight of Pakistan’s innings came in the 29th over when Sameer Minhas brought up a superb century.
Facing Deepesh Devendran, Sameer leaned into a full delivery on off stump and drove it straight past mid-on for four, sparking applause from teammates and the dugout alike.
Pakistan were also handed another slice of fortune late in the innings when Niqab Shafiq survived a dropped catch in the 49.2nd over.
A slower ball from Henil Patel was flicked aerially towards deep backward square leg, where Deepesh Devendran failed to hold on to a regulation chance.
India’s Chase Unravels
Despite a confident opening flourish, India’s chase never recovered from the early blows.
Vaibhav also enjoyed a brief stroke of luck when Mohammad Sayyam induced a top-edged cut shot, only for Ali Raza to spill a catch at third man.
Dropped chances continued to haunt both sides. In the 24.6th over, Deepesh Devendran pulled a short ball from Ali Raza, the shot taking a thick top edge and ballooning towards fine leg.
The fielder settled under it but failed to complete the catch, allowing the ball to trickle away for four.
Ultimately, however, Pakistan’s disciplined bowling and relentless pressure proved too much. India collapsed to 156, conceding the match and the title by a massive margin.
Pakistan’s emphatic victory not only secured the Under-19 Asia Cup but also underlined their dominance on the day—combining big runs, sharp catching (despite a few lapses), fiery fast bowling, and an unyielding competitive edge in a final that had everything: skill, drama, and raw rivalry.
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