Cricket geeks, strap in. The ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 final wasn’t a tight thriller or a nerve-shredding chase. It was, quite simply, Pakistan U19 putting India U19 on a cricketing display that felt like two levels apart. In Dubai, on December 21, what was supposed to be a classic rivalry instead turned into a masterclass and a meltdown.
Toss Call That Raised Eyebrows
India won the toss and chose to field first. Anyone who’s watched even half a scorecard in their life knows that decisions like this at finals usually come back to bite. In this case, the bite was more of a ferocious mauling. Pakistan’s batters relished the pitch, the target, and every loose ball that India kindly offered.
Pakistan U19: The Batting Onslaught
Put into bat, Pakistan absolutely decimated the Indian bowling attack. They finished with a whopping 347 for 8 in 50 overs — a total few teams, even at senior level, post in a final.
Hero of the Innings: Sameer Minhas
If someone asks what domination looks like in youth cricket, you point them to Sameer Minhas’ 172 off 113 balls. He didn’t just score big. He scored fast, with authority, and without any semblance of hesitation. There was the timing, the placement, the straight hits over the bowler’s head. It was one of those innings that makes bowlers question their career choices.
Minhas reached his century in roughly 71 balls, and continued to bully anything in his arc. Pakistan didn’t just go past 300; they marched there with swagger.
Backing Acts That Mattered
Minhas had good support from Usman Khan and Ahmed Hussain, both of whom played their parts in building partnerships and seizing momentum. The team looked balanced, patient where needed, and ruthless when it wasn’t.
India’s Chase: A Collapse for the Ages
Setting 347 should’ve prompted at least a semblance of a challenge. Instead, India’s innings was over before most fans had finished their second cup of chai. The team was all out for 156 in 26.2 overs.
Tiny Spark in a Big Blaze
Deepesh Devendran was India’s top scorer with 36 off 16 balls — a solid cameo, but nowhere near enough. Outside of that, wickets tumbled at regular intervals, momentum was lost repeatedly, and Pakistan’s bowlers smelt blood and attacked with ferocity.
When your chase resembles a slip-and-fall rather than a fought comeback, it’s hard to call it a “contest.”
The Margin Says It All
Pakistan won by 191 runs. That margin in any final is a statement. In an Under-19 final between two arch-rivals, it’s the cricketing equivalent of leaving with the other team’s lunch and coat.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Pakistan U19
They showed:
- Confidence against pressure
- Temperament to build big totals
- Ability to execute with bat and ball
Sameer Minhas’ innings alone will be talked about in youth cricket circles for a while. Pakistan didn’t just win — they dominated.
For India U19
Being unbeaten up until the final sounds nice until reality hits. The batting lineup struggled under scoreboard pressure and never built the partnerships needed to stay in the game. Decisions like bowling first backfired massively, and Pakistan exploited every weakness India offered.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t a classic. It was a lesson. Pakistan U19 took the Asia Cup title not by luck or narrow margins, but by sheer force of performance. India U19 will be back — that’s youth cricket for you — but for now, Pakistan’s young guns get the bragging rights and a trophy to match.
