Dubai, Dec 22 (V7N) — Pakistan emerged victorious in the Youth Asia Cup final, defeating India by 35 runs at the Dubai Cricket Academy to claim the championship for the first time on their own. Previously, Pakistan had shared the title with India in 2012.

Chasing Pakistan’s imposing total of 347, courtesy of Samir Minhas’s brilliant 172-run innings, India struggled from the outset. They lost three wickets for just 49 runs, with young sensation Suryavanshi scoring a quick 26 off 10 balls. Despite a brief partnership, India continued to lose wickets rapidly, collapsing at 156 runs. Minhas’s innings remained unmatched, and the team ultimately fell short at 191 runs.

Deepesh Devendran top-scored for India with 36 runs, while Khilan Patel added 19. No other Indian batsman surpassed 20 runs. Ali Raja, using the new ball, claimed four wickets, with Sayem, Abdul Subhan, and Huzaifa Ahsan taking two wickets each.

Earlier, Pakistan’s innings had been dominated by opener Samir Minhas, who scored 172 runs off 71 balls, including 17 boundaries and 9 sixes. Ahmed Hussain contributed 56 runs, supporting Pakistan in setting a challenging total.

Minhas had previously scored a record 177* against Malaysia in the tournament opener. He had modest returns against India in the group stage with 9 runs but rebounded with 44 and 69* against UAE and Bangladesh, respectively. His match-winning innings in the final proved decisive.

For India, Deepesh Devendran took three wickets, while Henil Patel and Khilan Patel claimed two wickets each. Kanisk Chauhan accounted for the remaining wicket.

Pakistan’s victory in the final marks a historic milestone, highlighting their emerging talent in youth cricket across Asia.

END/WD/SMA/