DUBAI (Webd Desk) — Pakistan underlined their supremacy with a stunning 191-run victory over India to clinch the Under-19 Asia Cup on Sunday, delivering one of the most commanding performances in the tournament’s history.
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Batting first after India opted to field, Pakistan piled up an imposing 347 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to a sensational knock by Sameer Minhas.
The right-hander smashed 172 runs, studded with 17 boundaries and nine towering sixes, completing his century in just 71 balls. Minhas finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, capping a dream campaign.
Ahmed Hussain provided solid support with 56 runs, while Usman Khan added 35. Captain Farhan Yousuf chipped in with 19, Hamza Zahoor scored 18, and Muhammad Sayyam and Niqab Shafiq remained unbeaten with 13 and 12 respectively.
India’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, though Dipesh Devendran claimed three wickets, while Khelan Patel and Hanil Patel picked up two each.
Chasing a daunting target of 348, India never found momentum and were bowled out for just 156 runs, succumbing to relentless pressure from the Pakistani bowling attack.
Pakistan captain Farhan Yousuf said the team entered the final fully prepared and confident, adding that the players were determined to give their best in the title clash.
Pakistan’s journey to the final included an eight-wicket win over Bangladesh in the semi-final, while India had beaten Sri Lanka to set up the blockbuster showdown. The two rivals had earlier met in the group stage, where India emerged victorious, making Pakistan’s triumph in the final even sweeter.
Although Pakistan have lifted the ICC Under-19 World Cup twice, this victory marks a significant milestone in their Asia Cup history, adding a long-awaited title after sharing the trophy with India in 2012.
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