Metro53 - Dubai (Web Desk): India’s batting lineup completely collapsed against Pakistan’s bowling attack in the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup.
Pakistan defeated India by a massive margin of 191 runs to clinch the title, marking Pakistan’s second Under-19 Asia Cup triumph. Previously, Pakistan and India were declared joint winners of the 2012 edition.
In the final of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup played in Dubai, Pakistan set a challenging target of 348 runs for India. In reply, the Indian team was bowled out for just 156 runs.
India’s Under-19 side faced serious difficulties at a crucial stage of the match, as both the middle and lower batting order failed completely.
For India, Devendran scored 36 runs while Surya Vanshi contributed 26 runs.
Ali Raza claimed four wickets, while Abdul Subhan, Muhammad Siyam, and Huzifa Hassan picked up two wickets each, playing a key role in Pakistan’s victory.
Earlier, India won the toss and elected to field first against Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup final. Pakistan posted 347 runs for the loss of eight wickets in the allotted overs.
Pakistan opener Samir Minhas delivered an outstanding performance and played a vital role in boosting the team’s total. He scored a brilliant 172 runs off 113 balls, hitting 17 fours and 9 sixes before getting out.
Other Pakistani contributors included Ahmad Hussain with 56 runs, Usman Khan with 35, captain Farhan Yousuf with 19, and Hamza Zahoor with 18 runs.
Notably, once again there was no handshake between the captains at the toss, nor during the photo session with the trophy before the match.
Before the final, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousuf stated that the team was fully prepared, would fight hard, and aim to win the title.
It is worth remembering that Pakistan has won the ICC Under-19 World Cup twice but had not previously won the Under-19 Asia Cup outright. In the 2012 Under-19 Asia Cup, Pakistan and India were declared joint champions.
