Pakistan put themselves firmly in control of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup final by posting an imposing total of 347 for eight against arch-rivals India at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Sunday, setting a stiff target of 348 runs.
Opener Sameer Minhas shone for Pakistan and scored a blistering knock of 172 off just 113 deliveries.
From the very first over, Minhas took the attack to the Indian bowlers, peppering the boundary with 17 fours. He also hit nine towering sixes to keep the pressure firmly on the opposition.
Minhas received valuable support from Ahmad Hussain, who made a composed 56, while Usman Khan added 35 runs.
Captain Farhan Yousaf contributed 19 runs while Hamza Zahoor scored 18 as Pakistan kept the scoreboard ticking.
Earlier, India won the toss and elected to field, hoping to exploit early conditions.
However, Pakistani batters quickly seized the initiative and maintained dominance throughout the innings.
Pakistan reached 347 for eight in their allotted overs, putting India under pressure in the title clash.
Earlier, no handshake was seen between the two captains at the toss or during the official photo session with the trophy, continuing the trend observed before the final.
Ahead of the match, Pakistan Under-19 captain Farhan Yousaf had said that his team was fully prepared, determined to fight hard and aiming to clinch the title.
Pakistan have won the ICC Under-19 World Cup twice but have yet to win the Under-19 Asia Cup outright.
In the 2012 edition, Pakistan and India were declared joint champions.
Talking to PCB Digital ahead of the final, Farhan Yousaf said: “Our preparation has been very good, and the morale in the camp is very high. The management has backed us strongly, and we will try to come out victorious.
“Bangladesh proved to be a very good opponent, and it was enjoyable to compete against them. The players performed really well. Our fielding unit has been outstanding, the batting performed well in the last match, and the bowling has been consistent throughout the tournament. This collective effort has contributed to our strong results.
“The final is a big game, and the players are very confident. We aim to carry forward the momentum and positivity from the last match, play aggressive cricket, give our 100 per cent and are hopeful of a result going in our team’s favour.”
Meanwhile, attention has also focused on the post-match trophy presentation.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), will attend the final as the chief guest and is scheduled to present the trophy to the winning team.
If India win the final, their captain would be required to receive the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi.
It may be mentioned that the Indian team refused to receive the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi after winning the Asia Cup in Dubai in September.
The Indian team also did not attend the prize distribution ceremony, even after a two-hour wait.
As ACC Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi later sent the trophy to the ACC headquarters.
This time, the Indian cricket board have so far remained silent on the matter.
Sunday’s Under-19 Asia Cup final is therefore being closely watched, both for the on-field contest and the developments that may follow off the field.
