Pakistan beat India to clinch U19 Asia Cup title

After the departure of Suryavanshi, India never made a comeback. Pakistan kept on picking up wickets at regular intervals and the managed to bundle India out for 156 runs. They won the match by 191 runs and with that their second U19 Asia Cup title.

India’s steep chase spirals out of control as relentless pressure triggers a dramatic seven-wicket collapse, leaving the batting line-up in disarray. Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s innings ends amid a tense exchange with a Pakistan bowler as he departs for 26, leaving India three down in a daunting 348-run chase. Earlier, Suryavanshi wasted no time in the chase, coming out with clear intent and fearless strokeplay as he raced away to a brisk start, signalling India’s intent early in the demanding pursuit.

Sameer Minhas’ power-packed 172 anchored Pakistan’s innings and lifted them to a formidable 347/8, even as India sparked a late mini-collapse with quick wickets to pull things back at the death. Earlier, Hussain’s resistance ended soon after his half-century, but Sameer Minhas pressed on relentlessly, keeping the scoreboard ticking and Pakistan firmly in command. Sameer Minhas powered to a blistering 71-ball hundred, peppering the boundary with authority as Pakistan tightened the screws and left India’s bowlers searching for answers in the U-19 Asia Cup final. Henil Patel made amends by dismissing Hamza Zahoor soon after, handing India an early breakthrough in the summit clash after Pakistan’s positive start. India skipper Ayush Mhatre won the toss and chose to field first, backing his bowlers to set the tone early in a pressure-packed summit clash. India’s Under-19 side stands just one step away from adding another chapter to its rich junior cricket legacy, with the Asia Cup final against Pakistan offering a chance to clinch a record-extending 12th title. The young Colts have looked a cut above the rest throughout the tournament and will now aim to finish the job on Sunday in what promises to be a high-voltage summit clash.

Led confidently by Ayush Mhatre, India have produced a string of commanding performances, showing maturity well beyond their years. The team cruised through Group A unbeaten, asserting control in every outing, before brushing aside Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the semifinals. That win underlined India’s dominance and set up a final date with familiar foes Pakistan. Earlier in the tournament, India had already sent out a strong message by hammering Pakistan by 90 runs in the group stage, a result that reinforced their status as favourites.

India’s journey to the final has been built on a balanced and ruthless approach. The batters have piled on runs with remarkable consistency, while the bowlers have applied sustained pressure to keep opposition line-ups in check. That collective effort has made India a formidable unit, capable of adapting to different situations and conditions.

With the bat, the numbers tell a story of sheer dominance. India have crossed the 400-run mark twice in the competition, showcasing both depth and intent. Teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi set the tone early in the tournament with a breathtaking 171 off just 95 balls against UAE, powering India to a massive 433/6. That innings announced India’s attacking mindset and put the rest of the field on notice.

The tournament has also seen the emergence of another exciting prospect in 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu. Against Malaysia, the left-hander produced a knock for the ages, smashing an unbeaten 209 off 125 balls to become the first Indian to register a double century in Youth ODIs. His innings combined patience with power and further highlighted the depth of India’s batting resources.

As India prepare for the final, the focus will once again be on translating dominance into silverware. Pakistan, known for their discipline and fighting spirit, will pose a tougher challenge, particularly with the ball. However, with confidence high and form on their side, India’s young stars will back themselves to deliver one last all-round performance and bring home the Asia Cup crown.