Source NDTV sport
In a high-voltage final of the ICC Under-19 Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan defeated arch-rivals India to lift their first U19 Asia Cup title since 2012, after bowling India out for a modest 156 and chasing down the target with composure.
Playing the final amid intense expectations, India suffered a dramatic batting collapse after opting to bat first. What began as a steady start soon unraveled under relentless pressure from Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Indian batters struggled to build partnerships, losing wickets at regular intervals and failing to recover momentum.
Pakistan’s bowlers exploited the conditions effectively, mixing pace with movement and maintaining tight lines to keep the Indian lineup in check. The middle and lower order offered little resistance as India were bundled out for 156 in the allotted overs, a total widely considered below par for a final.
In response, Pakistan approached the chase with clarity and confidence. Despite losing a couple of early wickets, their batters remained calm, rotating the strike efficiently and punishing loose deliveries. Key partnerships steadied the innings, ensuring there were no late jitters as Pakistan crossed the finish line to seal a memorable victory.
The win marked a historic moment for Pakistan’s youth cricket, ending a 13-year wait for the U19 Asia Cup crown. It also underlined the depth of talent in the country’s junior setup, with players displaying maturity beyond their years on the big stage.
For India, the loss was a sobering reminder of the fine margins in high-pressure matches. Despite a strong campaign leading up to the final, the batting collapse proved costly on the day it mattered most.
As Pakistan celebrated a landmark triumph against their fiercest rivals, the final once again highlighted the enduring intensity and significance of India-Pakistan encounters—regardless of age group or format.
