India’s Under-19 team faced a crushing setback after suffering a 191-run loss against Pakistan in the final of the Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup, played at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on Sunday. The result marked India’s heaviest defeat in terms of runs in Youth One-Day Internationals.
Batting first on a batting-friendly surface, Pakistan posted a formidable total of 347 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was headlined by a sensational knock from Sameer Minhas, who scored a commanding 172 off 113 deliveries, striking 17 fours and nine sixes. Minhas was well supported by Ahmed Hussain, who contributed 56 runs, and Usman Khan, who added 35. The Pakistani batters dominated the Indian bowling attack, with spinner Khilan Patel being the only bowler to show some control.
Chasing a daunting target, India got off to a promising start, scoring 32 runs in the first two overs. However, the early dismissal of captain Ayush Mhatre triggered a dramatic collapse. Vaibhav Suryavanshi showed brief resistance with a quick 26, but reckless shot selection and mounting pressure led to wickets falling at regular intervals. India were reduced to 68 for 5 inside the powerplay and never recovered.
Deepesh Devendran emerged as the top scorer for India with 36 runs, but the team was eventually bowled out for 156 in just 26.2 overs. Pakistan’s pace attack was relentless, led by Ali Raza, who returned impressive figures of 4 for 42.
With this emphatic victory, Pakistan lifted the Under-19 Asia Cup trophy for the first time outright, adding a significant chapter to their youth cricket history, while India’s unbeaten run in the tournament came to a disappointing end.
