India vs Pakistan U-19 Asia Cup Final 2025:The much-awaited ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 final between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is underway at the ICC Academy Ground, Dubai, on Sunday, December 21. Defending their reputation as the most successful team in the tournament’s history, India now face a stiff challenge after Pakistan posted a daunting total of 347/9, setting a 348-run target for the Indian batsmen.
India won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to put pressure on the Pakistani lineup. However, despite an early setback, Pakistan bounced back strongly, thanks to a sensational century from Sameer Minhas.
Pakistan’s Innings: Early Wicket, Strong Recovery
Pakistan had a shaky start as wicketkeeper-batsman Hamza Zahoor was dismissed for 18 runs in just the fourth over. Indian pacer Henil Patel provided the breakthrough, giving India early momentum.
Following the early loss, Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan steadied the innings with a crucial 92-run partnership for the second wicket. The stand was broken by Khilan Patel, who dismissed Usman Khan for 35 runs.
Sameer Minhas Steals the Show with a Brilliant 172
The highlight of Pakistan’s innings was an extraordinary knock by Sameer Minhas, who played one of the finest innings in Under-19 Asia Cup history. Partnering with Ahmed Hussain, Minhas added 137 runs for the third wicket, completely shifting the momentum in Pakistan’s favor.
Sameer Minhas brought up his second century of the tournament in style, smashing 12 fours and 4 sixes during his hundred. Ahmed Hussain provided solid support, scoring 56 runs off 72 balls, including two boundaries and a six.
Minhas was eventually dismissed while attempting a big shot off Deepesh Devendran, but not before scoring a breathtaking 172 runs off 113 balls, featuring 17 fours and 9 sixes.
Indian Bowlers Pull Things Back at the Death
After Minhas’ dismissal, India made a strong comeback with the ball.
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Kanishk Chauhan removed Huzaifa Ahsan for a duck.
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Pakistan captain Farhan Yusuf was dismissed for 19 by Deepesh Devendran.
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Mohammad Shayan (7) and Abdul Subhan (2) failed to make an impact.
Thanks to disciplined bowling in the final overs, India restricted Pakistan to 347/9 in 50 overs, though the target remains a challenging one.
Road to the Final
The Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 was played in a 50-over format. India were placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Malaysia, and hosts UAE, while Group B featured Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Nepal.
India dominated the group stage, winning all three matches:
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Beat UAE by 234 runs
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Defeated Pakistan by 90 runs
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Thrashed Malaysia by 315 runs
In the semi-final, India comfortably defeated Sri Lanka by 8 wickets, while Pakistan booked their final spot with an 8-wicket win over Bangladesh, the defending champions.
Playing XIs
India U-19 Playing XI:
Ayush Mhatre (Captain), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George, Vihan Malhotra, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (WK), Kanishk Chauhan, Henil Patel, Khilan Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Kishan Kumar Singh
Pakistan U-19 Playing XI:
Sameer Minhas, Usman Khan, Ahmed Hussain, Farhan Yusuf (Captain), Hamza Zahoor (WK), Huzaifa Ahsan, Naqab Shafiq, Mohammad Shayan, Ali Raza, Abdul Subhan, Mohammad Saiyam
India’s Dominance in U-19 Asia Cup History
This is the 12th edition of the Under-19 Asia Cup. India remain the most successful team in the tournament’s history, having lifted the trophy 8 times (1989, 2003, 2012, 2013–14, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021).
Bangladesh won the title in 2023 and 2024, while Pakistan (2012) and Afghanistan (2017) have claimed the trophy once each. Notably, the 2012 final ended in a tie, resulting in India and Pakistan being declared joint winners.
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