Pakistan rout India to lift Under-19 Asia Cup title

Pakistan clinched the Under-19 Asia Cup in emphatic fashion, thrashing arch-rivals India by a massive margin in the final on Sunday.

Chasing a daunting target of 348, India were bundled out for just 156, handing Pakistan a resounding victory and the trophy.

Earlier, Pakistan posted a formidable 347 for eight in their allotted 50 overs after India opted to field first on winning the toss.

The innings was dominated by a sensational knock from Sameer Minhas, who smashed a blistering 172, laced with 17 fours and nine sixes. Minhas reached 103 off just 71 deliveries and finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer.

Ahmed Hussain chipped in with 56, while Usman Khan scored 35. Captain Farhan Yousuf added 19 and Hamza Zahoor made 18. Mohammad Siyam (13) and Naqab Shafiq (12) remained unbeaten to take Pakistan to a commanding total.

For India, Dipesh Devindran picked up three wickets, while Khilan Patel and Henil Patel claimed two apiece.

Ahead of the final, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousuf had expressed confidence in his side, saying they were fully prepared, ready to fight and determined to win the title.

Pakistan are two-time ICC Under-19 World Cup champions but had never won the Under-19 Asia Cup outright before. Their previous best came in 2012, when they shared the title with India.