Author: A Sports

Pakistan Under-19 cricket team mentor and former national captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has criticized India’s conduct during the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 final, calling it “unethical” while praising his young squad for a historic and dominant victory.

The boys in green clinched their maiden ACC U19 Asia Cup title emphatically, defending a massive 348-run target by bowling India out for just 156 in 26.2 overs, sealing a 191-run win.

Speaking at a media conference after reaching Pakistan, Sarfaraz did not hold back on India’s behavior during the final.

“India’s behavior regarding the game was not good, and the Indian team’s conduct in cricket was unethical,” he said.

“But we celebrated the victory with sportsmanship, because there should always be sportsmanship in cricket; what India did is their own action.”

The 2017 Champions Trophy-winning captain also revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a cash reward of Rs10 million for each squad member in recognition of their historic achievement.

“The Prime Minister has announced a reward of Rs 10 million for each player, and in the future, these young players will make the country proud,” Sarfaraz added.

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He lauded the team for their exceptional performance, singling out middle-order batter Ahmed Hussain for his gutsy 56 off 72 balls, alongside Sameer Minhas, who top-scored with a sensational 172 off 113 deliveries.

“Ahmed Hussain’s innings was as important as Sameer Minhas’,” Sarfaraz said, highlighting the collective effort that propelled Pakistan to victory.

Pakistan U19 head coach Shahid Anwar also praised the preparation behind the triumph.

He revealed that a talent hunt starting June 17 involved seventy players undergoing trials, with each given four matches to impress selectors before being invited to the final camp.

The ten-day camp in Karachi featured guidance from former cricketers who helped refine the squad’s skills.

“Our goal upon leaving the country was clear: to win the trophy and, more importantly, to win the hearts of cricket fans,” Anwar stated, summarising the team’s dedication and focus.

WATCH: Pakistan’s U19 Asia Cup heroes receive grand welcome after crushing India

LAHORE: The Pakistan Under-19 team was accorded a hero’s welcome on its return home after lifting the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025, capped by a dominant victory over arch-rivals India in the final on Sunday.

In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on its official social media platforms, players and members of the coaching staff were seen being received with bouquets amid applause and celebrations.

PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed led the reception, personally congratulating the youngsters on a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s age-group cricket.

Fans also turned up to greet the champions, showering rose petals and interacting with the players as the squad celebrated Pakistan’s maiden ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup title.

Pakistan’s triumph was built on a commanding all-round performance in the final, where they successfully defended a mammoth total of 348 by bowling India out for just 156 in 26.2 overs to seal a resounding 191-run win.

Ali Raza led the bowling attack with figures of 4 for 42 in 6.2 overs, while Abdul Subhan, Mohammad Sayyam and Huzaifa Ahsan provided excellent support, claiming two wickets each.

Earlier, the Pakistan U19 team laid the foundation for their emphatic win with a formidable batting display after India opted to field first.

Opener Sameer Minhas took control of the innings, adding 92 runs for the second wicket with Usman Khan, who scored a composed 35 off 45 balls.

The right-hander then went on to stitch a match-defining 137-run partnership for the third wicket with Ahmed Hussain, who contributed a well-paced 56.

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Minhas later combined with captain Farhan Yousaf for another crucial stand before being dismissed on the penultimate ball of the 43rd over.

He finished with a magnificent 172 off 113 balls, an innings decorated with 17 fours and nine sixes, setting a new benchmark in the tournament final.

Later, unbeaten cameos from Mohammad Sayyam (13) and Niqab Shafiq (12) ensured the total rose to an imposing 347 for eight.

For India, Deepesh Devendran picked up three wickets despite conceding 83 runs, while Henil Patel and Khilan Patel took two apiece.

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DUBAI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced hefty cash prizes for the national U19 team after they lifted the ACC Men’s Asia Cup title here on Sunday.

According to sources, Naqvi has decided to award each winning team member a cash prize of PKR 5 million in a meeting held with the players.

Moreover, the chairman has also vowed to give emerging national cricketers the best possible treatment after a dominant performance against India in the final.

In a conversation with Sameer Minhas, the PCB Chairman also made an individual announcement for him.” Sources.

“You are all warriors. You have raised Pakistan’s name with pride,” he said to the players. “Sameer Minhas, you are our pride. You delivered an outstanding performance,” sources quoted Naqvi’s statement.

Earlier, Mohsin Naqvi expressed his thoughts after the final in a post on ‘X’, praising the team for delivering an outstanding performance.

“What a show! Proud to be handing over the ACC U19 Cup to our brilliant Pakistan U19 team. Fearless cricket, unmatched spirit, and a performance to remember,” he wrote.

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Mohsin Naqvi lavished praise on Sameer Minhas for playing a decisive knock under pressure against India.

“Special mention for Sameer—calm under pressure and outstanding on the big stage. This team makes the nation proud and the future of Pakistan cricket shine bright,” he added.

For the unversed, Pakistan outplayed India in the final by 191 runs, with Sameer Minhas and Ali Raza delivering commanding performances.

Set a daunting 348, the Indian batting lineup faltered under pressure and were skittled for only 156 in 26.3 overs.

For Pakistan, Ali Raza took a four-wicket haul while Huzaifa Ahsan, Abdul Subhan, and Mohammad Sayyam contributed with two wickets each.

READ: Babar Azam, cricketing fraternity laud Pakistan U19 triumph

Star Pakistan cricketer Babar Azam and former cricketers praised the Pakistan U19 team after their triumph in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup final against India at the ICC Academy on Sunday.

Pakistan defeated India by a hefty margin of 191 runs in the final to lift the title for the second time after 13 long years.

Babar Azam, who is currently in Australia for the Big Bash League (BBL) 15, credited team mentor and manager Sarfaraz Ahmed for bringing the best out of the young players.

“Well done, boys! Lifting the trophy after a stellar campaign and dominating the final. Big credit to Saifi Bhai, whose experience shaped this triumph. Keep the hunger going,” he wrote on his X account.

Azhar Ali, former captain and who previously served as PCB’s Head of Youth Development, also lauded the coaching staff, management, and Sarfaraz Ahmed for helping Pakistan U19 in lifting the trophy.

“Many congratulations to Pakistan U19 team, captain and all the staff lead by Mentor @SarfarazA_54 & Head coach Shahid Anwar,” he posted on X.

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“Special thanks to our coaches who didn’t travel with the team but worked tirelessly with boys in last 4 to 5 months Zohaib khan, Mohtashim Ali and Riffatullah,” Azhar added.

Legendary pacer Wasim Akram also showered praise on the young players, alongside special mention of Sameer Minhas and Ali Raza.

“Champions of Asia! Pakistan U19 lift the DP World Men’s U19 Asia Cup in style.
Ali Raza’s fiery bowling set the tone, and Minhas’ magnificent 150 sealed the deal. Future stars shining bright—well played, boys! @TheRealPCB,” Wasim Akram wrote.

Former Pakistan women’s team captain Sana Mir also took to X to commend the national U19 team’s outstanding performance.

“Congratulations to the U19 team. Coach Shahid Anwar has been one of the most positive people, @SarfarazA_54, master of such contests, the brilliant Sameer Minhas, Ali Raza, Ahmed Hussain , Abdul Subhan, and the entire team. Wonderful performance,” she wrote.

READ: Naqvi praises ‘fearless’ Pakistan U19 team after Asia Cup victory

DUBAI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi commended the national U19 side after their resounding victory against arch-rivals India in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup final.

Naqvi expressed his thoughts after the final in a post on ‘X’, praising the team for delivering an outstanding performance.

“What a show! Proud to be handing over the ACC U19 Cup to our brilliant Pakistan U19 team. Fearless cricket, unmatched spirit, and a performance to remember,” he wrote.

Mohsin Naqvi lavished praise on Sameer Minhas for playing a decisive knock under pressure against India.

“Special mention for Sameer—calm under pressure and outstanding on the big stage. This team makes the nation proud and the future of Pakistan cricket shine bright,” he added.

Earlier, Sameer Minhas and Ali Raza’s splendid bowling display helped Pakistan thrash India in the final here at the ICC Academy.

Set a daunting 348, the Indian batting lineup faltered under pressure and were skittled for only 156 in 26.3 overs.

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For Pakistan, Ali Raza took a four-wicket haul while Huzaifa Ahsan, Abdul Subhan, and Mohammad Sayyam contributed with two wickets each.

Pakistan capitalized on the decision to bat first against India and racked up 347/8 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to Minhas 172 off just 113, peppered with 17 fours and nine sixes.

Minhas 172 was also the highest Youth ODI score for Pakistan, earning him the player of the match award.

Highest Individual Score for Pakistan in Youth ODIs

Sameer Minhas – 172 vs India U19, 2025

Shahzaib Khan – 159 vs India U19, 2024

Shamyl Hussain – 150 vs Sri Lanka U19, 2023

Abdul Razzaq – 142 vs Australia U19, 1997

Overall, he amassed 471 runs in the tournament — also the highest in a single edition of U19 Asia Cup.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed reflects on Pakistan U19 Asia Cup triumph

DUBAI: Pakistan U-19 team manager and mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed opened up after his side’s victory in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup final against India, calling the win a ‘collective effort’ and ‘morale booster’.

Pakistan defeated India by a hefty margin of 191 runs in the final to lift the title for the second time after 13 long years.

Speaking after Pakistan’s triumph, Sarfaraz lauded the players for rising to the occasion and termed them future assets for Pakistan cricket if given the right opportunity.

“I told the boys to play openly and trust their abilities. I had talked to them in the previous matches as well. They are very talented, and if given the right investment, they can go ahead and win titles for Pakistan,” he remarked.

“It’s definitely a good victory. The morale of the Pakistan team is very high, and hopefully, we will carry this momentum forward in the World Cup,” he said, calling the victory a morale booster ahead of the mega event.

Regarding the team’s outstanding performance in the final against arch-rivals, he attributed it to hard work and effective management.

“You don’t shout magic into the team; it’s all God’s grace and the result of hard work. Whenever the team wins, whether it’s the players or team managers, being on the same page with the same goal makes a difference,” he continued.

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The 38-year-old praised Sameer Minhas — who scored a monumental `172 in the final and earned the player of the tournament award, noting that he had never seen such an imperious knock at the Youth level.

“I have been following U19 cricket since 2002, and in my 23 years, I don’t think I’ve seen such a commanding innings in such a big final by any player,”

It’s a head-turning performance, and it came from the player’s own effort and the coaches who worked with them in the academies,” Sarfaraz said.

The former captain of the Pakistan team called the victory a collective effort, while also lauding the players for their individual contributions.

“The coaches have done a lot of hard work, and Subhan had outstanding bowling in the finals.  Both Ali Raza and Subhan bowled amazingly, and Mohamed Siam also performed brilliantly.

So three bowlers delivered throughout the tournament. As I said, while there were individual performances, this is a collective team effort that made them champions,” he concluded.

READ: Sameer Minhas shatters multiple records in U19 Asia Cup final

DUBAI: Pakistan opener Sameer Minhas broke multiple records with a masterclass innings in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup final against India here at the ICC Academy on Sunday.

The right-handed batter scored a monumental 172 from just 114, laced with 17 fours and nine maximums, which helped Pakistan beat India by a hefty 191 runs margin.

With the help of his knock, Pakistan posted a daunting 347-8 in their allotted 50 overs, which was later backed by a clinical bowling effort, bundling out India for 156 runs.

With his 172, Sameer etched his name into the history books as he recorded the highest score in Youth ODIs for Pakistan, surpassing Shahzaib Khan’s 159, which also came against India in 2024.

Highest Individual Score for Pakistan in Youth ODIs

Sameer Minhas – 172 vs India U19, 2025

Shahzaib Khan – 159 vs India U19, 2024

Shamyl Hussain – 150 vs Sri Lanka U19, 2023

Abdul Razzaq – 142 vs Australia U19, 1997

Moreover, he also surpassed Sami Aslam’s long-standing record for amassing the most runs in the Asia Cup U19’s.

Most runs in U19 Asia Cup Single edition

Sameer Minhas (Pakistan) – 471 runs in five innings at 157
Sami Aslam (Pakistan) – 461 runs in five innings at 115.25
Sami Aslam (Pakistan) – 379 runs in five innings at 75.80
Ashiqur Rahman (Bangladesh) – 378 runs in five innings at 126
Unmukt Chand (India) – 370 runs in five innings at 74

Earlier, he also scored 178 against Malaysia U19 in the tournament; however, it was not listed as a record score because Malaysia’s Test status.

For his stellar performance in the final and throughout the tournament, he earned the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards, respectively.

READ: Minhas, Raza star as Pakistan crush India to win U19 Asia Cup

New Zealand batting great Kane Williamson has hinted that a decision about his future will be made on a series-by-series basis following a dominant batting display by the Black Caps against the West Indies here at the Bay Oval on Sunday in the third and final Test match of the series.

The 35-year-old Williamson is currently playing in a three-match series against West Indies and has been in decent touch.

Overall, he has amassed 9,461 Test runs to his name at a staggering average of 54.7 in 108 Test matches.

West Indies will require an uphill task on the final day of the tour, with 419 runs to win and 10 wickets in hand.

Meanwhile, it’s still unconfirmed whether ace batter Williamson will play Test cricket again, as he will be heading to South Africa for the SA T20 with his family upon the conclusion of the tour.

Speaking after the fourth day’s play, Williamson, who is inthe twilight of his career, revealed his thoughts on playing for New Zealand in the future.

“As you get to the latter stages (of your career), those thoughts certainly enter your mind,” he said.

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“It’s almost series by series,” Williamson said on playing for New Zealand nowadays.

Moving forward, the Black Caps will play their next Test match against Ireland in May 2026, which will be followed by a three-match series against England.

The 35-year-old termed the England and Australia tours challenging, noting that the challenges would be addressed as they come.

“We’ll just cross those bridges as they come.” “Going to England and Australia are really mouth-watering prospects and a great opportunities because they are tough tours,” Williamson explained.

He also turned down the upside of the game and stated that he never played for personal milestones.

“I’ve never used this team for my own personal gain,” he continued.

“I know cricket’s saturated in stats, but you’re wanting to go out and contribute to a team that you care about, so whatever runs you get aren’t really yours, they’re for the team,” Williamson concluded.

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DUBAI: Sameer Minhas’ marathon knock followed by Ali Raza’s splendid bowling display helped Pakistan thrash India in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup U19 final here at the ICC Academy on Sunday.

Set a daunting 348, the Indian batting lineup faltered under pressure and were skittled for only 156 in 26.3 overs.

Indian opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi came out all guns blazing and hit a quick-fire 26 from 10 deliveries. As a result, India were 32 in 2.2 overs.

However, skipper Ayush Mhatre was sent back for two, and soon after, the Men in Blue batting lineup collapsed.

Pacers Ali Raza and Mohammad Sayyam combined to send back Aaron George (16) and dangerous Vaibhav Suryavanshi in back-to-back balls, which put India in dire straits at 49-3 in 4.1 overs.

The Green Shirts continued to pile up pressure and cut through the Indian middle order. Vihaan Malhotra (7), Vedant Trivedi (9), and Abhigyan Kundu (13) stayed at the crease for a short time, which left India reeling at 82-6 in 12.3 overs.

At one stage, it looked like India would not cross the 100-run mark, but they eventually did, thanks to some sloppy fielding from Pakistan and Deepesh Devendran’s knock, who top-scored for his side.

He made 36 from 16 with the help of six fours and two maximums.

For Pakistan, Ali Raza outfoxed Indian batters with a four-wicket haul while Huzaifa Ahsan, Abdul Subhan, and Mohammad Sayyam contributed with two wickets each.

Earlier, Pakistan capitalized on the decision to bat first against India and racked up 347/8 in their allotted 50 overs.

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Hamza Zahoor and Sameer Minhas provided a brisk start, adding 31 in 3.3 overs before the former was caught after scoring 18. He hit two sixes and a boundary in his knock.

The wicket brought Usman Khan to the crease, who then stitched a 92-run partnership for the second wicket with Minhas, which brought the score to 123 in 16.4 overs.

Khilan Patel provided the much-needed breakthrough for India, removing Usman, who made 35 from 45 with the aid of three fours and a six.  Meanwhile, it continued on and reached half a century.

However, it was the third wicket stand of 137 runs between Sameer Minhas and Ahmed Hussain, which put Green Shirts in a position to score a big total.

Sameer Minhas reached the century on the third ball of the 28th over with a four and continued while Ahmed Hussain departed after making 56 off 72 balls.

At this stage, Pakistan were 260-3 in 37.3 overs.

But India made a comeback in the last phase of the innings and restricted Pakistan’s scoring rate, including the prized wicket of Minhas.

The right-hander was eventually caught after amassing 172 off just 113, peppered with 17 fours and nine sixes.

For India, Deepesh Devendran stood tall among the bowlers and picked up three wickets in his quota of `10 overs.

READ: BBL 15: Babar Azam’s Sixers crush Thunder in Sydney derby

Jack Edwards produced a match-winning five-wicket haul after half-centuries from Babar Azam and Josh Philippe powered Sydney Sixers to a commanding victory over arch-rivals Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 derby on Saturday.

Chasing a challenging target of 199, Thunder were bowled out for 151 in 19.1 overs, undone by a ruthless Sixers bowling display led by Edwards, who ripped through the top and middle order to seal the Sixers’ first win of the season.

The chase began in disastrous fashion for Thunder as Edwards struck twice inside the first three overs, reducing them to 17 for three.

Early pressure told, and although Sam Billings attempted to steady the innings, momentum remained firmly with the Sixers.

Cameron Bancroft struggled for fluency during a brief stand with Billings before Joel Davies ended his stay, dismissing him for a laboured seven.

A counter-attack followed when Shadab Khan joined Billings, with the pair adding a brisk 49 runs for the fifth wicket in just 22 balls to briefly revive Thunder’s hopes.

Jack Edwards, however, returned to break the partnership, removing Billings for a well-made 51 off 28 balls, an innings that included three fours and four sixes.

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Shadab Khan continued to fight, scoring 41 off 31 deliveries with three fours and two sixes, but he too fell to Edwards, who completed his five-wicket haul in the 18th over.

With only minor contributions from the lower order, including Chris Green’s 13, Thunder’s resistance ended at 151.

Earlier, the Sixers laid the foundation with a dominant batting effort, scoring 198-5 after being asked to bat first.

Babar Azam and Daniel Hughes struggled to break free against disciplined new-ball bowling, managing 33 runs in 26 balls before Reece Topley removed Hughes for 25.

Josh Philippe joined Babar, and the pair launched a decisive counter-attack, adding 140 runs for the second wicket in just 79 balls to seize complete control of the innings.

Babar, who had endured two modest outings earlier in the tournament, gradually found his rhythm after a cautious start and brought up his maiden BBL half-century from 38 balls.

His innings came to an end in the 18th over when he attempted to hit a short ball from Topley, finishing with a composed 58 off 42 balls, including five fours and two sixes.

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Topley also removed Ben Dwarshuis (1) in the same over to briefly check the scoring rate.

Josh Philippe, however, carried on and looked set for a century before Nathan McAndrew struck twice in the final over, dismissing skipper Moises Henriques (2) and then Philippe himself.

The wicketkeeper-batter top-scored with a fluent 96 off 57 balls, striking ten boundaries, including four sixes.

The Sixers closed on 198 for five, setting a formidable target that proved well beyond the Thunder’s reach.

Topley finished with three wickets for Thunder, while McAndrew claimed two. Shadab Khan went wicketless, conceding 33 runs from three overs.

The result handed Sydney Sixers their first win of BBL 15 after three matches, while the Thunder slipped to their second consecutive defeat of the tournament.

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