U19 Asia Cup Archives

BCCI to review India U19 performance after Pakistan defeat

MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to review the India U19 team’s performance following a crushing defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup final, Cricbuzz reported on Monday.

Pakistan clinched the ACC U19 Asia Cup title emphatically, defending a mammoth 348-run target by bundling out India for just 156 in 26.2 overs, sealing a commanding 191-run win.

Sameer Minhas top-scored with a sensational 172 off 113 deliveries, including 17 fours and nine sixes.

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

According to the report, the move followed an online Apex meeting in which board members scrutinized the team’s overall performance in the tournament.

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“The decision was taken at an online Apex Council meeting on Monday (December 22) evening, where members discussed the team’s overall showing in the tournament and felt there was a need to seek explanations from the team management,” the statement from the report quoted.

The report further details that BCCI is set to hold talks with the head coach, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, and the skipper, Ayush Mhatre, highlighting the unusual scrutiny.

The report also states that with the Under-19 World Cup in a few days, the BCCI wants to address issues early to avoid any setbacks heading into the mega event.

For the unversed, the U19 World Cup will be held from 15 January to 6 February 2026.

The tournament will continue with its familiar format: 16 teams, four groups, 41 matches, and a Super Six stage leading into semi-finals and a final.

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Sarfaraz Ahmed slams India’s conduct in U19 Asia Cup final

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

PCB chief announces prize money for Pakistan U19 team: sources

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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India thump Sri Lanka to reach U19 Asia Cup final

DUBAI: A clinical bowling effort, followed by Vihaan Malhotra and Aaron George’s gutsy half-centuries, propelled India to a victory over Sri Lanka in the first semi-final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup here at the ICC Academy on Friday.

Set 139 in a match reduced to 20 overs due to rain, India chased the target on the loss of two wickets with two overs remaining.

Skipper Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi were back in the hutch inside 3.3 overs. The former managed just six off eight while the latter was caught for nine from six balls.

As a result, India were 25-2 with Aaron George and Vihaan Malhotra at the crease.

The duo put the Men in Blue’s chase back on track with an unbeaten 114-run partnership for the third wicket that saw them over the line.

Malhotra struck four boundaries and two sixes in his 61 from 45, while Aaron George made 58 off 49 with the aid of four boundaries and a six.

For Sri Lanka, Rasith Nimsara picked up two wickets.

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Earlier, the Indian captain won the toss and asked Sri Lanka to bat first.

But the Islanders’ shambolic batting display limited them to 138-8 at the end of their 20 overs.

India bowlers were on top from the start as they reduced Sri Lanka to 28-3 in 5.3 overs before captain Vimath Dinsara and Chamika Heenatigala tried to stabilize the innings with a 45-run partnership.

The pair brought the score to 73-4 in 11.1 overs before a lower-order collapse saw them reeling at the end of their innings.

Chamika Heenatigala remained the highest scorer with 42 from 38, hitting three boundaries while Vimath Dinsara 32 off 29 balls included four fours.

For India, it was a combined bowling effort with Henil Patel and Kanishk Chouhan leading the wickets chart. The duo picked up two wickets each, while Khilan Patel, Deepesh Devendran, and Kishan Singh picked up one each.

The final will be played on 21 December between India and Pakistan at the ICCA Dubai.

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Pakistan thrash Bangladesh to set up U19 Asia Cup final against India

DUBAI: Dominant Pakistan crushed Bangladesh by eight wickets to set up ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup final against arch-rivals India on Sunday.

Set partly 122 in a match reduced to 27 overs per side due to rain, Pakistan hit the winning runs on the third ball of the 16th over, losing two wickets in the process.

Pakistan had a poor start in pursuit of the target as opener Hamza Zahoor was sent back without scoring in the first over.

After an early blow, Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan paired up for an 86-run stand in 10.3 overs, which put the Green Shirts near the victory.

Usman Khan was trapped lbw for 27 off 26 with the help of two sixes and two fours. This was the only silver lining for depleted Bangladesh’s bowling attack.

Sameen Minhas stringed another 36*run stand with Ahmed Hussain to take his side into the final.

Minhas unbeaten 69* from 57 included six fours and two sixes while Hussain made 11 from 14 balls.

For Bangladesh, Samiun Basir and Iqbal Hossain Emon managed to take one apiece.

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Earlier, pacer Abdul Subhan took a four-wicket haul to help his side bundle out Bangladesh for a modest total in the second semi-final of the ACC here at The Sevens Stadium on Friday.

Put into bat first, Pakistan skittled Bangladesh for 121 in 26.3 overs.

In-form opener Zawad Abrar and Rifat Beg added 24 in 4.4 overs, before both were removed in a span of two balls.

Following the early hiccup, skipper Azizul Hakim and Kalam Siddiki added a stitched brief partnership of 31, which brought the total over the 50-run mark.

After a brief stand, the Tigers’ batters were looking set, but Abdul Subhan took two in the 12th over to spark a collapse that they could never recover from.

As a result, they slumped from 55-3 to 73-6 in 15.4 overs. Skipper Aziz scored 20 from 26 balls with the help of a four and a six.

With Bangladesh in deep trouble, Samiun Basir, who top-scored with 33 off 37, took them over the 100-run mark. He hit six and a four in his crucial knock that provided his side with respite lower down the order.

Eventually, the whole team was bowled out before playing their allotted overs.

For Pakistan, Abdul Subhan starred with the ball, picking up a four-wicket haul in his six overs. Huzaifa Ahsan supported him well with two wickets to his name.

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U19 Asia Cup: Pakistan seal semi-final berth with victory over UAE

DUBAI: Ahmed Hussain’s calculated knock, followed by Abdul Subhan’s impressive bowling, steered Pakistan to a 70-run victory over UAE here in the ninth fixture of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup here at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on Tuesday.

The result confirmed Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka as the four semi-finalists of the tournament.

Set 242, UAE batting lineup could not rise to the occasion as their innings folded for 171 in 37.5 overs.

Skipper Yayin Kiran Rai and Ayaan Misbah started strongly with a 41-run partnership in 7.1 overs. The partnership was broken after Kiran Rai was caught for 14.

The second wicket of the UAE fell in quick time, with Zainullah Rehmani sent back without scoring.

As a result, UAE were reduced to 50-2 in 9.5 overs before Ayaan Misbah and Prithvi Madhu took them out of trouble with a gritty 58-run partnership.

The duo brought the score to 108 in 23.4 overs before a run-out ended Misbah’s innings, who was playing so well. The right-hander made fluent 77 from 74 balls peppered with 12 fours.

After his wickets, there were no other significant contributions from the middle order as UAE lost their way in the middle of the chase. Prithvi Madhu remained the other notable contributor in an innings which saw three run outs.

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Madhu scored 27 from 63 with the help of a boundary.

For Pakistan, Abdul Subhan starred with the ball, picking up a four-wicket haul, whereas Ahmed Hussain, Momin Qamar, and Mohammad Sayyam took one apiece.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Pakistan put 241-9 on the board in their allotted 50 overs.

Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan provided a 40-run start in 9.1 overs. Usman made 21 off 22 with the help of three fours.

However, the UAE chipped in with quick wickets at regular intervals, which never allowed Pakistan to score freely. After Sameer Minhas 44 from 63 with the help of five fours, it was Ahmed Hussain’s knock that held Pakistan’s innings together.

He was involved in crucial stands with the middle-order batters, which provided Pakistan’s batting lineup with respite. The left-hander made 65 from 91 balls with the help of four boundaries.

For UAE, Yug Sharma picked up three wickets.

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