The 2025 Pakistan Under-19 Asia Cup victory marked a proud moment, showcasing Pakistan’s rising young cricketing talent.
The 2025 Under-19 Asia Cup victory for Pakistan is highlighted in this full report, which includes key moments and reactions.
A New Generation of Champions
In December 2025, the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team delivered one of the most emphatic and memorable performances in recent youth cricket history by winning the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 title.
The young Green Shirts dominated throughout the tournament.
They capped it with a remarkable 191-run victory over arch-rivals India Under-19 in the final held at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This triumph brought home a primary trophy and marked Pakistan’s first outright Under-19 Asia Cup title, after sharing it with India in 2012.
Tournament Overview – Path to the Final
The ACC Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 brought together Asia’s best junior cricket teams, with Pakistan competing against strong opposition such as India, Bangladesh, the UAE, and Malaysia.
The tournament format featured group stages followed by a Super Fours phase, culminating in the highly anticipated final.
Pakistan’s journey saw a mixture of commanding wins and tough lessons—including a 90-run loss to India in the group stage, but they bounced back with resilience to reach the final.
Match Day—The Final Showdown Against India
Setting & Tension
On 21 December 2025, in Dubai, the atmosphere was electric as Pakistan Under-19s faced India Under-19s in a final that carried huge weight not only in terms of rivalry but also prestige.
Pakistan won the toss, elected to bat, and set the tone for a historic day. (Geo News)
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Batting Masterclass—Sameer Minhas Leads the Charge
The defining performance came from opener Sameer Minhas, whose innings will go down as one of the greatest in the history of youth international cricket.
Minhas smashed a record-breaking 172 runs off 113 balls—including 17 fours and nine sixes—anchoring Pakistan’s innings and pacing it brilliantly from start to finish.
His knock not only powered Pakistan to a massive total but also became the highest individual score in an Under-19 Asia Cup final. Minhas’ century came off just 71 balls, reflecting his aggressive intent and command over the bowling attack.
Supporting contributions came from Ahmed Hussain (56) and Usman Khan (35), whose partnerships with Minhas helped Pakistan reach an imposing total of 347 for 8 in their 50 overs.
Bowling Brilliance: A Comprehensive Attack
After posting a massive 347, Pakistan’s bowlers took full charge of the game, dismantling India’s batting lineup.
The opposition was bowled out for just 156 runs in 26.2 overs, unable to handle the combined pressure of disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
Ali Raza led the bowling, claiming a four-wicket haul (4/42), while Abdul Subhan, Mohammad Sayyam, and Huzaifa Ahsan contributed crucial dismissals to keep India under relentless pressure.
Only Deepesh Devendran (36 off 16) showed some resistance with rapid hitting, but it was never enough to stop Pakistan’s domination.
Victory & Margin: A Historic Win
Pakistan won the final by 191 runs, the most significant margin in Under-19 Asia Cup final history.
This victory did more than clinch a title—it emphatically showcased Pakistan’s youth talent and cricketing depth.
This dominant margin of victory underscores Pakistan’s all-around superiority on the day, excelling in batting, bowling, and overall strategy.
Key Performance Summary
- 🏏 Sameer Minhas (PAK U19): 172 runs (Player of the Match)
- 🏏 Ahmed Hussain: 56 runs
- 🏏 Usman Khan: 35 runs
- 💨 Ali Raza: 4 wickets for 42 runs
- 💨 Abdul Subhan / Mohammad Sayyam / Huzaifa Ahsan: crucial bowling support
These performances combined to create one of Pakistan’s most memorable youth cricket victories.
Cricket Fraternity Reacts—Praise & Recognition
Following Pakistan’s historic win, leading figures in cricket lauded the performance:
- Babar Azam praised the squad’s fearlessness, maturity, and collective belief.
- Shan Masood highlighted the team’s tactical discipline and fight under pressure.
- Shoaib Akhtar celebrated Minhas’ century and the all-around effort that led to the title.
Cricket analysts noted that such a comprehensive win over a traditionally strong Indian youth side reflects Pakistan’s growing pool of young talent.
Government and Public Celebrations
The victory sparked giant celebrations back home in Pakistan:
- Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced a cash reward of PKR 10 million for each member of the victorious squad in recognition of their achievement and to support their future development.
- A grand reception and warm welcome awaited the team upon their return, complete with official felicitations and public celebrations.
These honours reflect the importance of cricket as a unifying force and source of national pride in Pakistan.
Controversies & Conversations Following the Final
Despite the jubilation, some post-match discussions generated debate:
- Sarfaraz Ahmed, the team mentor, criticised the conduct of the Indian Under-19 players as “unethical” and “disrespectful towards sport,” highlighting tensions that sometimes arise even in youth competition.
- A celebratory video of the Pakistan team dancing to a banned song went viral and sparked reactions online.
- During the match, a young Indian player, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, was booed by some fans after India’s defeat—a reflection of the intense emotions surrounding India-Pakistan cricket matches.
While these incidents sparked conversation, the overarching narrative remained one of celebration for Pakistan’s Under-19 achievement.
Historical Context – Pakistan in Under-19 Asia Cups
Before 2025, Pakistan’s only Asia Cup success at the Under-19 level came in 2012, when they were declared joint winners with India after a tied final.
The 2025 win marked the first time Pakistan has won the title outright.
This milestone may prove pivotal for the development and confidence of young players who could shape Pakistan’s future senior cricket prospects.
Player to watch: Sameer Minhas
Sameer Minhas emerged as the star of the tournament, with his record-breaking 172 being a defining innings in the final.
His performance not only powered Pakistan to victory but also immediately elevated his international reputation at the youth level. (Pakistan Cricket Board)
Beyond the final, Minhas’ consistency and match-winning ability will place him firmly on the radar of selectors as Pakistan prepares for future youth and senior events, including the Under-19 World Cup 2026.
Impact on Future Pakistani Cricket
The U19 Asia Cup win has potential long-term implications:
- The victory can boost the confidence and experience of young players transitioning to higher levels of cricket.
- The U19 Asia Cup win has also boosted public and administrative support for youth development programs.
- Global tournaments like the Under-19 World Cup and future senior Asia Cups are gaining momentum.
Cricket pundits have suggested that performances like these reflect a strong pipeline of talent that could influence Pakistan’s senior team fortunes in the coming years.
Nationwide Football for Youth in Schools & Clubs
The celebrations and attention from this win are likely to inspire grassroots cricket initiatives across Pakistan—with academies, schools, and clubs emphasising youth involvement after witnessing the U19 success story.
The broad media exposure highlights how youth cricket victories can connect communities and encourage participation in mainstream sports.
Conclusion: A Triumph to Remember
The Pakistan Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 victory stands as a landmark achievement in Pakistan’s cricket history, not just for the trophy but for the manner of dominance shown.
The victory was marked by a record innings by Sameer Minhas, a commanding bowling display, and an overwhelming team performance. This triumph showcased the talent and potential brewing in Pakistani cricket.
More than just a championship, it represents a new chapter for Pakistani youth cricket. This new chapter is brimming with promise, pride, and a renewed belief in the nation’s cricketing future.