Opener Sameer Minhas struck a sublime 172 — the highest individual score in an Under-19 Asia Cup final — as Pakistan posted a formidable 347 for eight in their 50 overs against India at the ICC Academy Ground on Sunday.
Sameer’s commanding 113-ball knock, studded with 17 fours and nine sixes, laid the foundation for Pakistan’s imposing total in the title clash.
Dominating the Indian attack from the outset, the right-hander ensured Pakistan made a strong recovery from their group-stage defeat to the same opponents and set up a daunting target in the high-pressure final.
After India captain Ayush Mhatre won the toss and chose to field, Pakistan suffered an early setback when Hamza Zahoor was caught at mid-off for 18 off Henil Patel.
Sameer, however, steadied the innings alongside Usman Khan, with the pair adding 92 for the second wicket. Usman made a composed 35 before being dismissed by Khilan Patel.
Unperturbed, Sameer shifted gears effortlessly. He raced to his half-century off just 29 balls and brought up his century in 71 deliveries, punishing anything loose with authority.
A crucial 137-run stand for the third wicket with Ahmed Hussain, who scored a patient 56 off 72 balls, propelled Pakistan past the 250-run mark and firmly into control.
Ahmed’s dismissal — caught in the deep off Khilan Patel — briefly slowed the momentum, but Sameer continued his onslaught, crossing 150 with ease.
His remarkable innings came to an end in the 43rd over when he miscued a slower delivery from Deepesh Devendran and was caught at long-on, departing with Pakistan well placed at 302 for four.
Pakistan then endured a late stumble, losing five wickets for 45 runs in the final seven overs.
Captain Farhan Yousaf (19), Huzaifa Ahsan (0), Mohammad Shayan (7) and Abdul Subhan (2) fell in quick succession.
Devendran finished with three wickets, while Henil Patel claimed two. Khilan Patel was the most economical of the Indian bowlers, returning figures of two for 44 from his 10 overs.
Late contributions from Niqab Shafiq (12 not out) and Mohammad Sayyam (13 not out), the latter striking a six to close the innings, helped Pakistan push their total further.
India’s fielding proved costly, with several dropped chances allowing Minhas and others to capitalise.
Devendran ended with figures of three for 83 as the rest of the attack struggled on a surface that offered little assistance.
Pakistan’s 347 is the highest total in a U-19 Asia Cup final, eclipsing previous records, and leaves India with a stiff challenge in the chase.
Sameer’s record-breaking effort put Pakistan firmly on top at the halfway stage.
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