ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan U-19 team was given a rousing and heroic welcome as it lifted the 2025 ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup following a comprehensive win over arch-rivals India in the final at the ICC Academy on Sunday.
In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on its social media platforms, the players and coaching staff were greeted warmly with bouquets of flowers.
PCB Chief Executive Sumir Ahmed Syed presided over the reception as he congratulated the young champions on their historic achievement.
Cricket fans also gathered to congratulate the team, showering rose petals and interacting with the players as Pakistan celebrated their maiden ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup title.
It is noteworthy that Pakistan, who defended the target of 348 to win and 191 to win in the final, bowled out the Indian team for 156 runs in 26.2 overs.
India began their chase with some purpose as batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi stitched a quick opening stand of 32 with skipper Ayush Madre.
However, Madre managed just two runs before falling to Ali Raza in the fourth over. An over later, Mohammad Syam dismissed Aaron George (16), who scored a half-century against Pakistan in the group stage clash.
Ali Raza tightened Pakistan’s grip on the game by dismissing Suryavanshi on the first delivery of the next over to reduce India to 49/3.
A left-handed opener, he was India’s best batsman with a 10-ball 26 including a four and three sixes.
As Pakistan’s bowlers continued to strike at regular intervals, Deepesh Devendran’s dismissal was decisive as he kept India to a modest score despite a late flourish.
Batting at number 10, Devendran top scored for India with a blistering 36 off 16 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes.
Ali Raza was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan who finished with figures of 4/42 in 6.2 overs. Supporting him were Abdul Subban, Mohammad Syam and Husaifa Ahsan who took two wickets each.
Earlier, Indian skipper Ayush Madre’s decision to field first was aided by Sameer Minhas’ record innings as Pakistan posted a mammoth score of 347/8 in their allotted 50 overs.
Pakistan got off to a steady start with openers Minhas and Hamza Zahoor adding 31 runs before Zahoor (18) was dismissed by Henil Patel in the fourth over.
Usman Khan then joined Minhas and the pair put on 92 off 79 balls for the second wicket.
The stand ended in the 17th over when Usman Khan was dismissed by Gilan Patel, who contributed a valuable 35 off 45 balls, including three fours and a six.
Minhas was part of a crucial 137-run partnership for the third wicket with Ahmed Hussain, who scored 56 off 73 balls with 3 fours and a six.
The talented right-hander then added 42 runs with skipper Farhan Yousuf before being dismissed by Deepesh Devendran on the final delivery of the 43rd over.
Minhas was Pakistan’s top scorer with a sensational 172 off 113 balls with 17 fours and 9 sixes.
Pakistan lost four consecutive wickets, including captain Yousuf (19), to slip to 327/8 in 46.4 overs.
However, Mohammad Syam and Niqab Shafiq kept the innings unbeaten with 13 and 12 respectively, pushing the total to 347/8.
Deepesh Devendran was the successful bowler for India, conceding 83 runs in 10 overs and taking 3 wickets. Henil Patel and Kilan Patel took 2 wickets each and Kanishk Chauhan took one wicket.
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