In the final of the Asian Cricket Council Under-19s Asia Cup 2025 held on Sunday at Dubai. Pakistani team demonstrated the depth, passion and quality of cricket among its Youth. The game started with India choosing to bowl first. This gave team Pak’s Sameer Minhas the chance to score a total of 172 runs off 113 deliveries in beautiful strikes of 17 fours and 9 sixes dominating the innings.
Player of the Tournament: Sameer Minhas
Later, rest of the team contributed a significant sum of scores to earn the impressive victory against India. The encounter saw each batting partnership keeping the momentum alive and contributing to their collective win. To name a few dominant ones: Usman Khan scored 35 runs, while Ahmed Hussain added 56 runs to the count. Captain of the team Farhan Yousaf added a quick 19 runs off 18 balls, and late hitters Niqab Shafiq (12runs) and Mohammad Sayyam (13runs) off just 8 balls gave Pakistan a dominating finish with 347/8 in 50 overs. Pakistan’s strategy for the day was a perfect mix of playing with aggression and control, a side that displayed maturity of team beyond their years.
When Pakistan took to bowl…
When it came to bowling, team Pakistan gave their opponents a tougher challenge that kept India on the back foot. Mohammad Sayyam and Abdul Subhan claimed two wickets each, while spinner Huzaifa Ahsan added two more in their dominant play. India could not breathe comfortably facing a daunting target of 348 runs at 26.2 overs, Ali Raza took the last key wicket of Deepesh Devendran wrapping up the match well before the scheduled evening finish. Team Pakistan stood comfortably with their U19 Asia Cup while radiating a bold statement that the next generation is here and ready to raise the bar in sports.
Nation’s Pride: Team Receives Praise from Leaders and Coach
The Pak U-19 team’s coach Sarfaraz Ahmed beamed with joy on his team’s 191-runs win. He credited the victory to God’s grace and player’s efforts, he said:
“I told the boys to play openly and trust their abilities… You do not shout magic into a team; it is God’s grace and hard work.“
The nation celebrated this distinguishing victory with a hope flickering in everyone’s eyes for the future of cricket in Pakistan. In a congratulatory message, President Asif Ali Zardari described the victory as a proof of the hard work, discipline and determination displayed by the young cricketers throughout the tournament.
“The success of the Pakistan U-19 team is a source of pride and joy for the entire nation,”
He specifically appreciated the collective efforts of the captain, players and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), adding that the triumph offered renewed hope and optimism ahead of upcoming international competitions.
The President also commended the PCB for its continued focus on nurturing young talent in Pakistan particularly acknowledging the efforts of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the coaching staff. He remarked:
“The prayers and support of the entire nation are with these young players.”
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the national U-19 team and the nation on winning the prestigious title with such a dominating margin. Alongside paying tribute to the team management and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for their role in the team’s success, he expressed confidence that the U-19 team would continue to raise Pakistan’s flag on the world stage in the years to come.
“The entire nation is proud of these young heroes,”
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also commended the Shaheens of Pakistan and said:
“By defeating India in the U-19 Asia Cup final, Pakistan’s young players have once again raised the green crescent flag. This victory belongs to the entire nation and will be remembered for a long time,”
