Green Shirts roar back to rule Asia at Under-19 level

India stunned after entering final unbeaten; Opener Sameer Minhas scripts history

Pakistan's Under-19s delivered a night to remember, sweeping past arch-rivals India with a thumping 191-run victory in the final of the U-19 Asia Cup at the ICC Academy Ground on Sunday, creating history and sparking jubilant celebrations across the nation.

The record-breaking batting masterclass, followed by a ruthless bowling of the teenagers' veteran nerve display that turned the high-stakes contest into a one-sided spectacle, as the Green Shirts undoubtedly lifted the prestigious title.

The tone was set by opener Sameer Minhas, who played a once-in-a-tournament innings to propel Pakistan to an imposing 347 for 8 after being put in to bat.

India, unbeaten on their way to the final and heavy favourites after defeating Pakistan in the group stage, had no answers once the momentum swung.

Sameer anchored the innings with a magnificent 172 off 113 balls, striking 17 fours and nine sixes. He laid a solid foundation before accelerating through the middle overs, including vital partnerships with Usman Khan (35, 45b, 3x4s, 1x6) and Ahmed Hussain (56, 45b, 3x4s, 1x6) to put Pakistan firmly in command.

India's chase collapsed dramatically as the batting line-up was skittled for just 156 in 26.2 overs and pacer Ali Raza tore through the order with figures of 4 for 42.

The triumph carried a special edge as Pakistan had been beaten heavily by India in the group stage and entered the final as underdogs against an unbeaten opponent.

However, on the biggest day, the roles were reversed as Pakistan were clinical in every department, while the unravelled India, unable to recover once momentum swung decisively.

India captain Ayush Mhatre won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping early assistance would check Pakistan's scoring. Instead, Sameer launched a ferocious assault. After Hamza Zahoor fell for 18, he stitched together commanding stands — 92 for the second wicket with Usman Khan (35) and 137 for the third with Ahmed Hussain (56) — to seize complete control.

The right-hander reached his century in just 71 balls and accelerated relentlessly, racing to 172 off 113 deliveries, an innings studded with 17 fours and nine sixes.

His dismissal in the 43rd over, deceived by a slower ball from Deepesh Devendran, triggered a late cluster of wickets - five falling for 45 runs — that denied Pakistan a late charge towards 400.

Even so, their total remained the highest ever posted in a U-19 Asia Cup final. Khilan Patel (2 for 44) and Devendran (3 for 83) were the most effective among India's bowlers.

Chasing an imposing 348, India began with brief fireworks. Vaibhav Suryavanshi launched a ferocious opening over against Ali Raza, helping India race to 21 in the first over, and followed it up with a blistering 26 off 10 balls that included three sixes and a four. The resistance was short-lived.

The introduction of spin and disciplined pace turned the contest decisively. Captain Mhatre (2) holed out to mid-off, Aaron George (16 off 9) miscued a pull, and Suryavanshi nicked behind as India slumped to 49 for 3 in the fifth over.

From there, the collapse gathered pace. Vihaan Malhotra (7) was bowled attempting a rash pull off Abdul Subhan, Vedant Trivedi (9) picked out short midwicket, and Abhigyan Kundu (13) upper-cut to deep third.

Kanishk Chouhan (9) and Khilan Patel (19) offered fleeting resistance, but regular breakthroughs kept India firmly on the back foot.

Lower down the order, Deepesh Devendran provided late entertainment with a quickfire 36 off 16 balls, striking six fours and two sixes.

His dismissal, skying a catch to point off Ali Raza, extinguished any lingering hopes. Subhan (2 for 29) and off-spinner Huzaifa Ahsan (2 for 12) chipped in effectively, while Mohammad Sayyam supported with 2 for 38, as India's innings folded inside 27 overs.

India were dismissed for 156 in 26.2 overs, underlining Pakistan's bowling authority and sharp fielding after the break. The 191-run margin stood as the largest victory in a U-19 Asia Cup final, completing a comprehensive rout.

As the final wicket fell, Man of the Match Sameer was hoisted onto his team-mates' shoulders amid scenes of unrestrained joy, while India, unbeaten until the final, were left to rue a day when little went right.

Nation proud of Green Shirts

The historic triumph drew warm praise from the country's leadership. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday congratulated the Pakistan cricket team and the nation on winning the Under-19 Asia Cup, saying the players had performed excellently.

"Pakistani players created history by defeating India in the final," he said, adding, "The entire nation is proud of these young players".

"The Under-19 team will undoubtedly make the country's name shine on the world stage in the future as well," the prime minister said.

"I pay tribute to the entire team management, including Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi," he added.

President Asif Ali Zardari also congratulated the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team on winning the Asia Cup, saying the brilliant victory in the final against India was a testament to the hard work, discipline and determination of the young players.

"The success of the Under-19 team is a source of pride and joy for the entire nation," he added, appreciating the collective performance of the captain, players and the cricket board.

"This victory of the young players is a ray of hope for the upcoming international competitions," he said.

The president lauded the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for patronising young talent. "The efforts of Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi and the coaching staff are commendable," he said, adding, "Prayers and support of the nation are with the young players".

Fresh from their title-winning campaign and buoyed by nationwide celebrations, Pakistan's victorious Under-19 cricket team arrived home past midnight to a warm and jubilant reception, marking the return of a side that has lifted national spirits with its emphatic success.

The young champions landed at the New Islamabad International Airport aboard a special Pakistan International Airlines flight, drawing scenes of celebration as supporters and officials gathered to welcome the squad back on home soil.

The team arrived on PIA flight PK-212, which brought the players directly to the capital following their triumphant outing. Upon arrival, the players were received with flower petals showered in their honour.