The stage was set for a classic rivalry at the ICC Academy ground in Dubai on Sunday, but it was one young Pakistani batsman who stole the show with a performance for the ages. Sameer Minhas delivered a breathtaking innings of 172 runs from just 113 balls to propel Pakistan to a commanding total and headline the U-19 Asia Cup 2025 final against India.
A Majestic Innings Rewrites History
Walking in under the pressure of a final, left-handed batsman Sameer Minhas played with a stunning blend of aggression and control. His magnificent knock, punctuated by 17 fours and 9 sixes, not only dismantled the Indian bowling attack but also etched his name into the record books. Minhas's score is now the highest individual score in the history of an U-19 Asia Cup final, surpassing the previous best of 134 set by Pakistan's Sami Aslam against India in 2012.
The younger brother of Pakistan T20I player Arafat Minhas, Sameer was particularly severe on the new-ball operators. He took a heavy toll on Indian bowlers Kishan Singh and Deepesh Devendran early on, setting a blistering pace. His assault was so dominant that he raced to a century in a mere 71 balls, leaving the Indian team with little room to recover or establish any rhythm in the field.
Pakistan Posts Mammoth Total on Back of Record Knock
Riding on the sheer force of Minhas's historic century, the Pakistan U-19 team amassed a formidable total of 347 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. This massive score put immense pressure on the Indian batting lineup from the outset. Minhas's marathon innings finally came to an end when he was caught by Kanishk Chouhan off the bowling of Deepesh Devendran, the very bowler he had targeted earlier.
The innings was a testament to Minhas's outstanding form throughout the tournament, where he has been one of the standout performers. His ability to accelerate and maintain a high scoring rate against a quality attack in a high-stakes final highlighted his temperament and skill.
New Benchmark in U-19 Asia Cup Finals
With this knock, Sameer Minhas has set a new gold standard for batting in the summit clash of the U-19 Asia Cup. The list of highest individual scores in the final now reads:
- Sameer Minhas (Pakistan) - 172 vs India, 2025
- Sami Aslam (Pakistan) - 134 vs India, 2012
- Ashiqur Rahman Shibli (Bangladesh) - 129 vs UAE, 2023
- Unmukt Chand (India) - 121 vs Pakistan, 2012
- Ikram Alikhil (Afghanistan) - 107* vs Pakistan, 2017
- Kamran Ghulam (Pakistan) - 102* vs India, 2014
- Vijay Zol (India) - 100 vs Pakistan, 2014
- Sanju Samson (India) - 100 vs Pakistan, 2014
The final, played on December 21, 2025, will be remembered for this singular, match-defining performance. While the collective effort of the Pakistan team led to the huge total, it was the majestic blade of Sameer Minhas that carved out a victory path and a piece of cricketing history in Dubai.
