Belief over scoreboard: India’s wonderkids eyes a legacy chase for the Asian Crown

India U19’s decision to bowl first in the Asia Cup 2025 final has come under serious strain, with Pakistan storming to 319/7 in 45.1 overs on the back of a stunning 172 from opener Sameer Minhas. Ayush Mhatre’s young side now stare at a daunting chase in Dubai as the title clash tilts Pakistan’s way.

Key highlights  

• Sameer Minhas produced a career-defining 172, anchoring the innings while scoring at better than a run-a-ball and punishing anything loose to all parts of the ground.  
• His knock not only blunted India’s new-ball attack but also ensured Pakistan were always ahead of a par score in a high-stakes final.  

• Captain Ayush Mhatre backed his seamers and chose to bowl first, banking on early movement and scoreboard pressure in a chase.  
• The plan misfired as Pakistan recovered from early jitters to seize control, turning India’s decision into a tactical gamble that now demands a near-perfect batting reply.  

• Henil Patel and Deepesh Devendran struck in the middle overs to keep India alive, combining to dismiss well-set batters and briefly stem the run flow.  
• Yet, inconsistent lines, missed yorkers at the death and Minhas’ ruthless acceleration pushed the run rate above seven, leaving India’s attack visibly drained.  

• With Pakistan already at 319/7 in 45.1 overs and five full overs still technically left, India are looking at a target that could touch or cross 340 if the tail wags.  
• The onus will now fall on in-form strokemakers like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Aaron George to provide a fearless yet measured response in what could become a defining chase for this U19 group.