DUBAI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday showered praise on the national men’s U19 team after defeating arch-rivals India to win the Asia Cup 2025 champions in the final at the ICC Academy.
Taking to X, earlier on Twitter, Naqvi shared that it was a “proud” moment to hand over the valuable silverware to the national team, while praising the players for their “fearless and unmatched” spirit.
“What a show! Proud to hand over the ACC U19 trophy to our brilliant Pakistan U19 team. Fearless cricket, unmatched spirit and a memorable performance,” Naqvi said on the social media platform.
He particularly singled out right-handed opener Samir Minhas, who played a monumental role in the summit clash, playing a key role in leading the green shirts to a stunning victory.
“Special mention to Sameer – calm under pressure and brilliant on the big stage. This team makes the nation proud and the future of Pakistan cricket shines bright,” added Naqvi.
Ali Raza’s four-wicket haul led Pakistan to a mammoth 191-run victory in Minhas’ marathon 172 against the Men in Blue in the recently-concluded summit here.
Chasing a tough target of 348 runs, the Indian team was bowled out for 156 runs in 26.2 overs.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi had an opening partnership of 32 with skipper Ayush Madre before falling to Ali Raza in the fourth over.
Mohammad Syam gave Pakistan another win by dismissing top-order batsman Aaron George (16), who scored a match-winning half-century against the Green Shirts in last Sunday’s group-stage clash.
Ali Raza put Pakistan in full control with the first delivery of the next over as he edged Suryavanshi to reduce India to 49/3.
The left-handed opener scored 26 off 10 balls with a four and 3 sixes and scored a remarkable run for India.
As the Pakistan bowlers struck at regular intervals, Deepesh Devendran’s blitz was at the back, but his dismissal proved decisive until India were booked for a paltry score in the end.
The No.10 was India’s top scorer with a 16-ball 36 with 6 fours and 2 sixes.
Ali Raza, who bowled well for Pakistan, took 4 wickets for 42 runs in his 6.2 overs, while Abdul Subhan, Mohammad Syam and Husaifa Ahsan took 2 wickets each.
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