Pakistan completed a dominant victory over India in the final of the U19 Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday, winning by 191 runs after outplaying their opponents in all departments. Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi was present at the stadium and was later seen interacting with the Pakistan players following the conclusion of the match.
Batting first after being asked to set a target, Pakistan posted a formidable 347 for 8. Sameer Minhas anchored the innings with a commanding 172 off 113 deliveries, the highest individual score by a Pakistani batter in Youth One-Day Internationals. Pakistan’s total proved well beyond India’s reach on a surface that offered pace and bounce.
India’s chase collapses under sustained pace attack
India’s reply never gathered momentum. The batting order collapsed under sustained pressure from Pakistan’s fast bowlers, with Ali Raza, Mohammad Sayyam and Abdul Subhan sharing eight wickets. India were bowled out for 156, sealing a comprehensive win for Pakistan.
During India’s collapse, television cameras showed Naqvi watching the proceedings from the stands as Pakistan closed in on victory. After the match, he joined the players on the field and acknowledged supporters gathered near the boundary line. Naqvi was scheduled to present the trophy to the winning side.
Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, has been a visible presence at recent Asian Cricket Council events. In September this year, he was at the centre of attention during the senior men’s Asia Cup final in Dubai, when India defeated Pakistan. Owing to diplomatic sensitivities, the Indian team did not participate in the on-field trophy presentation, and the silverware was retained by the ACC.
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More recently, in November, Naqvi attended the Rising Stars Asia Cup final in Doha, where he presented the trophy to Pakistan Shaheens after their Super Over victory against Bangladesh A.
Pakistan’s U19 Asia Cup triumph adds to their strong showing at youth level and underlines the effectiveness of their fast-bowling group in limited-overs cricket.
