Pakistan Dominates India in U19 Asia Cup Final, Clinching Title by 191 Runs

In a highly anticipated showdown at the U19 Asia Cup final in Dubai on December 21, 2025, Pakistan’s U19 cricket team delivered a commanding performance, defeating arch-rivals India by a substantial margin of 191 runs to lift the coveted trophy. The victory marked a significant achievement for the young Pakistani squad, showcasing their talent and temperament on a grand stage against a formidable Indian team.

The tone for the match was set early when India, having won the toss, elected to bowl first, hoping to exploit any early moisture in the pitch. However, Pakistan’s batsmen had other plans. They put on an impressive display of aggressive yet controlled batting, amassing a formidable total of 347/8 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was anchored by a sensational century from player Minhas, who scored an extraordinary 172 runs off just 113 balls, a knock punctuated by 17 fours and 9 towering sixes. This was Minhas’s second century in the tournament, following an unbeaten 177 against Malaysia, underlining his exceptional form and critical role in Pakistan’s campaign.

Chasing a daunting target of 348, the Indian U19 team faced an uphill battle from the outset. Their innings began shakily, and they struggled to build partnerships against a disciplined Pakistani bowling attack. Key Indian batsmen fell cheaply, unable to withstand the pressure. Teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who had shown glimpses of brilliance earlier in the tournament, was dismissed for a mere 26 runs in the fifth over, caught behind off a sharp, short-of-length delivery from Ali Raza. His early departure, with India at 49/3, further dented their hopes. Captain Ayush Mhatre managed only 2 runs off 7 balls, and Aaron George contributed 16 off 9, but neither could provide the stability required to mount a serious challenge.

The Indian batting lineup ultimately crumbled under the relentless pressure, being bowled out for just 156 runs in 26.2 overs. The comprehensive nature of the defeat highlighted a disparity in performance on the day, particularly in batting execution under pressure. While India’s bowlers had a tough outing, it was the inability of their batsmen to forge meaningful partnerships and accelerate the scoring rate against a well-drilled Pakistani side that proved to be their undoing.

This victory is not just about winning a trophy; it represents a significant boost for Pakistan’s youth cricket development and a proud moment for their emerging talent. For India, the loss will serve as a valuable learning experience, prompting reflection on strategies and player development as they look towards future tournaments. The U19 Asia Cup continues to be a crucial proving ground for young cricketers, offering them exposure to high-stakes matches and shaping them for potential international careers. Despite the defeat, the Indian team will undoubtedly regroup, analyzing their performance to come back stronger in future competitions.