India U19s downfall perhaps started from one bad decision, in hindsight. After winning the toss, India skipper Ayush Mhatre opted to bowl first on a Dubai wicket that looked excellent for batting. And then Pakistan opener Sameer Minhas went on to capitalise, scoring 172 from 113 deliveries, taking his side to a mammoth 347/8 in 50 overs. That was enough to secure a 191-run win over India, as Pakistan U19 won their first-ever Asia Cup trophy.
Sameer Minhas scores 172 from 113
Minhas, who had been excellent in the entire tournament and had slammed 177 vs Malaysia, rocked the opposition once again. He went on to slam 17 fours and nine sixes, and picked up from where he left against Bangladesh in semis; there he slammed 69 not out. He received some support from Ahmed Hussain (56) as well, but largely, it was a one-man show only that dismantled India.
Left-arm pacer Kishan Kumar Singh was the most expensive and leaked 50 runs in only 5 overs. Deepesh Devendran picked up three wickets, but again, was expensive and gave away 83 runs. Kanishk Chouhan was poor on the day as well returning with figures of 1/72.
Ayush Mhatre & Vaibhav Suryavanshi fail in Asia Cup final
The script was completely reversed when it came to the 348-runs chase. India was only bundled out for 156, where Devedran was the highest scorer at 36. Vaibhav Suryavanshi gave a fiery start (26 from 10), but could not continue with his hitting prowess. Ayush Mhatre was big flop on the day of the final and was out for 2.
Despite a rousing start of 32/0 in only two overs, wickets from there on led to India’s downfall. No partnerships could be forged, as Ali Raza returned with figures of 4/42. Mohammad Sayyam, Abdul Subhan and Huzaifa Ahsan — all picked up two wickets, which broke the backbone of India’s batting.
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