India enter the Under-19 Asia Cup final with authority and momentum, determined to extend their supremacy over Pakistan and clinch a record 12th title at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Sunday.
The Ayush Mhatre-led side have been the tournament’s most complete outfit, winning all their Group A matches and finishing ahead of Pakistan, whom they defeated by 90 runs in the league stage. That dominance continued in the semifinals, where India eased past Sri Lanka by eight wickets, while Pakistan reached the summit clash by overcoming defending champions Bangladesh.
India’s march to the final has been built on collective excellence, led by a batting unit that has consistently overwhelmed opponents. The colts have breached the 400-run mark twice in the 50-over competition, underlining their intent and depth.
Teenage opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi set the tone with a scintillating 95-ball 171 against the UAE as India piled up 433/6. Wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu followed with a historic feat against Malaysia, smashing an unbeaten 209 off 125 deliveries to become the first Indian to register a double century in Youth ODIs.
When the top order has been tested, the middle order has responded with assurance. Aaron George has emerged as the glue, scoring three consecutive half-centuries while maintaining a strike rate in excess of 100. Vihaan Malhotra has added balance with his left-handed presence and arrives at the final after an unbeaten 61 in the semifinal. All-rounder Kanishk Chouhan has provided late impetus with the bat at a strike rate above 127 and chipped in with six wickets, including a telling 3/33 against Pakistan in the group stage.
Also read: India U-19 to face Pak in Asia Cup final
India’s bowling has matched their batting firepower. Pacer Deepesh Devendran, joint-highest wicket-taker with 11 scalps, has impressed with pace and movement, highlighted by a five-wicket haul against Malaysia and a decisive spell against Pakistan that included the dismissal of tournament top-scorer Sameer Minhas.
Pakistan’s hopes rest heavily on Minhas, who struck an unbeaten 177 against Malaysia and followed it up with a half-century against Bangladesh. The Farhan Yousaf-led side boast a pace-heavy attack led by Abdul Subhan, with Mohammad Sayyam and Ali Raza providing support, while spinners Niqab Shafiq and Ahmed Hussain add variety.
Batting inconsistency, however, remains Pakistan’s chief concern. India, buoyed by recent senior team successes against Pakistan, will aim to carry that dominance into the junior final, where players from both sides will once again observe the no-handshake policy. Match starts at 10.30am IST.
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