U19 Asia Cup final: Sameer Minhas’ 172 powers Pakistan to 347 against India

Pakistan posted a formidable total of 347 for eight in their allotted 50 overs to set India a challenging target of 348 in the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup on Sunday.

The innings was anchored by a sensational knock from Sameer Minhas, who smashed a blistering 172 against India, laced with 17 fours and nine sixes. Minhas brought up his century in just 71 balls and finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, underlining his dominance throughout the competition.

He received useful support from Ahmed Hussain, who scored 56, while Usman Khan added 35. Captain Farhan Yousuf contributed 19, Hamza Zahoor made 18, and the lower order chipped in with Mohammad Siyam (13 not out) and Naqab Shafiq (12 not out) to push the total close to the 350 mark.

For India, Dipesh Devindran was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Khilan Patel and Henil Patel claimed two wickets apiece.

Earlier, India won the toss and elected to field first against Pakistan.

Speaking ahead of the final, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousuf said his side was fully prepared, determined to fight hard and make a strong push for the title.

Pakistan have previously won the ICC Under-19 World Cup twice but are yet to lift the Under-19 Asia Cup. Their best result in the tournament came in 2012, when they shared the title with India.