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LAHORE: The Pakistan Under-19 team was accorded a hero’s welcome on its return home after lifting the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025, capped by a dominant victory over arch-rivals India in the final on Sunday.
In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on its official social media platforms, players and members of the coaching staff were seen being received with bouquets amid applause and celebrations.
PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed led the reception, personally congratulating the youngsters on a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s age-group cricket.
Fans also turned up to greet the champions, showering rose petals and interacting with the players as the squad celebrated Pakistan’s maiden ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup title.
Pakistan’s triumph was built on a commanding all-round performance in the final, where they successfully defended a mammoth total of 348 by bowling India out for just 156 in 26.2 overs to seal a resounding 191-run win.
Ali Raza led the bowling attack with figures of 4 for 42 in 6.2 overs, while Abdul Subhan, Mohammad Sayyam and Huzaifa Ahsan provided excellent support, claiming two wickets each.
Earlier, the Pakistan U19 team laid the foundation for their emphatic win with a formidable batting display after India opted to field first.
Opener Sameer Minhas took control of the innings, adding 92 runs for the second wicket with Usman Khan, who scored a composed 35 off 45 balls.
The right-hander then went on to stitch a match-defining 137-run partnership for the third wicket with Ahmed Hussain, who contributed a well-paced 56.
Minhas later combined with captain Farhan Yousaf for another crucial stand before being dismissed on the penultimate ball of the 43rd over.
He finished with a magnificent 172 off 113 balls, an innings decorated with 17 fours and nine sixes, setting a new benchmark in the tournament final.
Later, unbeaten cameos from Mohammad Sayyam (13) and Niqab Shafiq (12) ensured the total rose to an imposing 347 for eight.
For India, Deepesh Devendran picked up three wickets despite conceding 83 runs, while Henil Patel and Khilan Patel took two apiece.
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