Pakistan U19 delivered a stunning performance in their opening match of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025, thrashing Malaysia by 297 runs at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai on Friday. The Green Shirts set a commanding tone for the tournament, with centuries from Sameer Minhas and Ahmed Hussain leading the team to a massive total of 345 for three in their allotted 50 overs.
The highlight of the innings was 19-year-old Sameer Minhas, who scored an unbeaten 177 off 148 balls, including 11 fours and eight sixes. Sameer’s remarkable knock earned him the player of the match award and anchored a monumental 293-run partnership with Ahmed Hussain. Hussain himself contributed a brilliant 132 off 114 deliveries, featuring eight boundaries and two sixes. The partnership showcased Pakistan U19’s batting depth and set the foundation for a dominant victory.
Seven players—Ali Hassan Baloch, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor, Huzaifa Ahsan, Mohammad Sayyam, Niqab Shafiq, and Sameer—made their debut for Pakistan U19 in the match, making the performance even more memorable. Their contributions, both with bat and ball, demonstrated the team’s balanced lineup and upcoming talent in Pakistan’s cricket pipeline.
Malaysia struggled to cope with Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack, being bowled out for just 48 runs in 19.4 overs. Ali Raza led the bowling attack with three wickets for 11 runs, while left-arm pacer Mohammad Sayyam also claimed three scalps. Daniyal Ali Khan picked up two wickets for just six runs, and Niqab Shafiq wrapped up the innings with a wicket, ensuring Pakistan maintained complete control throughout the match.
The emphatic win not only highlighted Pakistan’s dominance in youth cricket but also sent a strong message to other competing teams in the Asia Cup. With this morale-boosting victory, Pakistan U19 will now face their traditional rivals, India U19, on Sunday, December 14, at the ICC Academy Ground. The match is scheduled to start at 9am local time, promising another exciting contest in the tournament.
Scores in brief: Pakistan U19 scored 345 for 3 in 50 overs with Sameer Minhas scoring 177 not out and Ahmed Hussain 132. Malaysia U19 were all out for 48 in 19.4 overs, with Ali Raza taking 3-11, Mohammad Sayyam 3-27, and Daniyal Ali Khan 2-6. Player of the match was Sameer Minhas.
This dominant start sets Pakistan U19 as strong contenders for the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025, showcasing both experienced performers and promising newcomers ready to make their mark on the international stage.
