The U19 Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan is underway in Dubai, with India electing to bowl first after winning
the toss. The Indian side has opted to field the same eleven that played in the semi-final against Sri Lanka. Pakistan,
however, has made one change, bringing Niqab Shafiq in for Daniyaal Ali Khan.
India has enjoyed an undefeated run in the tournament thus far, including a victory over Pakistan in the group stage.
Several Indian players have shone throughout the competition, including Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George, Vihaan
Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu, and Kanishk Chouhan. A victory in this final would secure India's record-extending ninth U19
Adding an element of intrigue to the match, reports suggest that ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi may be in attendance. His
potential presence brings back memories of the aftermath of the senior men's Asia Cup final earlier this year,
suggesting a possibly dramatic turn of events.
The match began with Hamza Zahoor and Sameer Minhas opening the batting for Pakistan, seeking a solid start. Kishan
Kumar Singh took the new ball for India.
Prior to the start, both teams stood for their respective national anthems, heightening the anticipation for the clash.
India's bowling attack has been spearheaded by Deepesh Devendran, who is among the tournament's leading wicket-takers.
Pakistan's Abdul Subhan, with an equal number of wickets, poses a significant threat to the Indian batting lineup.
Pakistan's Playing XI: Usman Khan, Sameer Minhas, Farhan Yousaf (c), Ahmed Hussain, Huzaifa Ahsan, Hamza Zahoor (wk),
Niqab Shagiq, Mohammad Shayan, Abdul Subhan, Mohammad Sayyam, Ali Raza
India's Playing XI: Ayush Mhatre (c), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George, Vihaan Malhotra, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu
(wk), Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Kishan Kumar Singh
The focus remains on the weather in Dubai, especially after the semi-final match faced interruptions due to rain.
Forecasts from Accuweather suggest a sunny day with no rain expected during the final.
Pakistan's batting hopes rest on Sameer Minhas, their leading run-scorer with 299 runs, including a century and a
half-century. In the bowling department, Abdul Subhan has been their most successful bowler, with 11 wickets, while
Mohammad Sayyam has taken eight.
Despite inconsistent performances from Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, India's batting lineup has found runs from
Aaron George, Vihaan Malhotra, Vedant Trivedi, and Abhigyan Kundu. The bowling attack is led by pacers Kishan Singh and
Deepesh Devendran, supported by spinners Khilan Patel and Kanishk Chouhan.
For India, already eight-time U19 Asia Cup champions, this final serves as vital preparation for the upcoming Under-19
World Cup. Pakistan views this match as a crucial test of temperament before the major tournament in Zimbabwe and
The tournament has also highlighted emerging talents like Abhigyan Kundu, who recently scored a double century in a
India entered the final riding high after an eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the semi-finals. Pakistan secured
their place by defeating defending champions Bangladesh. India's success has been fueled by a collective effort from
both batters and bowlers.
Led by Ayush Mhatre, the Indian team displayed dominance in the group stage, winning all their Group A matches,
including a 90-run victory against Pakistan.