DUBAI: Pakistan inflicted a thumping 191-run defeat on arch-rivals India to win the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup in the final played in Dubai on Sunday, with Sameer Minhas emerging as the central figure of a one-sided contest.

Sameer Minhas laid the foundation of Pakistan’s triumph. His knock anchored the innings and set up a daunting target of 347.

After batting, brilliant display of skills by the Pakistani bowlers, who bundled out India U19 for just 156 to clinch a convincing 191-run victory.

It is Pakistan’s second title, and first since 2012.

Earlier, India won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that backfired as Pakistan’s batters displayed aggressive and confident cricket throughout their innings.

Pakistan got off to a flying start, reaching 347 for eight in their allotted overs and putting the Indian bowlers under relentless pressure from ball one.

Opener Sameer Minhas led the charge for Pakistan and smashed his second consecutive century of the tournament in just 71 balls, and then registered the record of the highest individual score in an U19 Asia Cup final. His 172 runs off 113 balls included nine towering sixes and 17 fours. His innings further cemented his status as the tournament’s standout performer.

Pakistan lost their first wicket early when Hamza Zahoor was dismissed for 18 at 31 runs. Usman Khan added stability with 35 before falling at 123, while Ahmed Hussain contributed a valuable 56 runs before being dismissed at 260. Minhas was finally out at 302, having anchored and accelerated Pakistan’s innings with authority.

Captain Farhan Yousaf added 19 runs, helping Pakistan set a challenging total that would prove too much for India to chase.

Pakistan made a terrific comeback after losing Hamza Zahoor on 14-ball 18, with Minhas stitched a 92-run partnership along with Sameer Minhas. Usman Khan made his way back to the pavilion after scoring 45-ball 35, lacing with three boundaries and one six.

But Minhas continued to treat the Indian bowlers with great contempt, with great aggression, clobbering boundaries and sixes.—NNI