Dubai, UAE – In a highly anticipated clash at the ICC Academy in Dubai, India and Pakistan are facing off in the final of the ACC Men's Under-19 Asia Cup 2025. India U19 captain Ayush Mhatre won the toss and elected to field first, aiming to leverage his team's bowling strength in the crucial encounter.
India, who entered the final as favorites, are eyeing a record-extending 12th title in the continental championship. Their journey to the final has been marked by dominant performances, including a commanding 90-run victory over Pakistan in the group stage. The Indian colts have showcased their batting prowess throughout the tournament, posting two 400-plus totals.
Pakistan, led by Farhan Yousaf, are looking to avenge their earlier defeat against India and bag the title. They reached the final after overcoming defending champions Bangladesh in the semi-finals.
Pakistan's opening pair, Sameer Minhas and Hamza Zahoor, walked out to bat, facing the opening salvo from India's Kishan Kumar Singh. Zahoor started positively with a boundary in the first over. However, Henil Patel provided an early breakthrough for India, dismissing Hamza Zahoor. Despite being dropped earlier, Zahoor fell to Patel, with Mhatre completing the catch.
Following the early wicket, Sameer Minhas counter-attacked, racing to a 29-ball half-century and putting India under pressure. Minhas and Usman Khan then forged a partnership, steadying the ship for Pakistan. Pakistan crossed the 50-run mark inside 7 overs and reached 79/1 at the end of the first 10 overs. Sameer Minhas continued to build on the positive start, reaching his fifty in the 13th over. At the end of the 14th over, Pakistan were 110/1.
India went into the match with an unchanged XI. Pakistan made one change, with Niqab Shafiq replacing Daniyal Ali Khan.
Key players for India in the tournament have been Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Abhigyan Kundu. Suryavanshi has amassed 235 runs in four matches at a high strike rate, including a remarkable 171 against the UAE. Kundu etched his name in the record books with an unbeaten 209 against Malaysia, becoming the first Indian to score a double century in Youth ODIs.
The U19 Asia Cup final is being telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming is available on the SonyLIV app and website.
