ISLAMABAD: Pakistan delivered a master class in junior cricket, completely outclassing arch-rivals India by a massive 191 runs to clinch the Junior Asia Cup title for the first time at the ICC Academy Ground Dubai on Sunday.
The emphatic triumph not only underlined Pakistan’s rising dominance at the junior level but also announced the arrival of a new batting sensation in Sameer Minhas.
Put into bat on a belter of a wicket, Pakistan wasted no time in making India regret the decision. Powered by a breathtaking 172-run knock from Sameer Minhas, Pakistan piled up an imposing 347 for 8, a total that proved far beyond India’s reach. Sameer’s innings was the centerpiece of Pakistan’s dominance, a flawless blend of composure, elegance and controlled aggression.
Awarded both Man of the Final and Man of the Tournament, Sameer batted with artistic ease, peppering the field with exquisite drives and audacious lofted strokes that left the Indian bowlers and fielders chasing shadows. His timing, placement and shot selection reflected maturity well beyond his age, while his ability to shift gears effortlessly kept the scoreboard ticking at a relentless pace. “I just wanted to play my normal game to start with. Once I got settled, I decided to be aggressive and maintain the scoring tempo,” Sameer said after the match.
The Pakistan bowling unit then ensured there was no twist in the tale. Backed by a mountain of runs, the pace attack struck early and never loosened its grip, ripping through a fancied Indian batting line-up and bundling them out for a mere 156. The disciplined bowling display mirrored the authority shown by the batters, completing one of the most one-sided finals in the tournament’s history.
From the very first over to the final wicket, Pakistan remained in complete control, showcasing depth, discipline and fearlessness, hallmarks of a champion side. The historic Junior Asia Cup triumph is being seen as a major boost for Pakistan’s cricketing future, with Sameer Minhas emerging as the standout star of a new, promising generation.
Sameer Minhas 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) and Ahmed Hussain (56) to put Pakistan firmly in command.
Left-handed batter Ahmed’s fluent half-century provided further momentum, while skipper Farhan Yousaf (19) and late contributions from Niqab Shafiq (12 not out, 17) and Mohammad Sayyam (13 not out) ensured Pakistan finished strongly.
In turn, Pakistan’s bowlers produced a disciplined and clinical display to dismiss India in 26.2 overs. Right-arm fast bowler Ali spearheaded the attack with four wickets, striking early to derail India’s chase. Mohammad Sayyam and Abdul Subhan claimed two wickets apiece, while spinner Huzaifa Ahsan also struck twice as Pakistan maintained pressure throughout the innings.
Sameer Minhas was adjudged player of the match for his match-winning century and was also named player of the tournament after amassing 471 runs from five matches at an average of 157. Pakistan U19 will now travel to Zimbabwe to feature in a tri-series involving Afghanistan and hosts Zimbabwe, starting from Thursday, Dec 25. The ICC Men’s U19 World Cup will be played in Zimbabwe and Namibia from 15 January to 6 February 2026.
