Dubai, 21 December (H.S.): Pakistan's Under-19 team clinched their second U-19 Asia Cup title by demolishing India by a massive 191 runs in the final at ICC Academy ground here on Sunday, powered by opener Sameer Minhas' explosive 172. Pakistan, who previously shared the 2012 trophy jointly with India, now boasts two outright wins, while India holds a record eight titles.

Opting to bowl after winning the toss, India restricted Pakistan to 347 for eight in 50 overs. Minhas anchored the innings with 172 off 113 balls (17 fours, 9 sixes), forging a 92-run second-wicket stand with Usman Khan (35) before Khilan Patel struck. Ahmad Hussain's counter-attacking 56 (72 balls) featured in a 100-plus partnership with Minhas, ended by Patel again.

Lower-order contributions included Farhan Yusuf (19), Mohammad Shayan (7), Abdul Subhan (2), with Nikab Shafiq (12*) and Mohammad Sayyam (13*) unbeaten. India’s Deepesh Devendran claimed three wickets, Henil Patel and Khilan Patel two each, Kanishk Chauhan one.

Chasing 348, India collapsed to 156 all out in 26.2 overs. Captain Ayush Mhatre fell for 2; at 49, Aaron George (16) and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (26) departed. Vihaan Malhotra (7) and Vedant Trivedi (9) followed suit. Abhijnan Kundu (13) and Kanishk Chauhan (9) perished quickly, Khilan Patel made 19, Henil Patel 6, Deepesh Devendran 36, and Kishan Kumar Singh 3*. Pakistan’s Ali Raza starred with four wickets, Mohammad Sayyam, Abdul Subhan, and Huzaifa Ehsan two apiece.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar