Pakistan U19 Crush Malaysia by 297 Runs in Asia Cup Opener

News Desk

Dubai:  Pakistan Under-19 launched their ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 campaign in sensational fashion, thrashing Malaysia by a mammoth 297 runs at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai on Friday.

The emphatic victory was powered by brilliant centuries from Ahmed Hussain and Sameer Minhas, as well as a ruthless display from the bowling unit.

Pakistan, asked to bat first, piled up a commanding 345 for 3 in 50 overs. Nineteen-year-old Sameer Minhas stole the show with a masterful unbeaten 177 off 148 balls, an innings studded with 11 fours and eight sixes. The Multan-born right-hander was later named Player of the Match for his dominant performance.

Sameer shared a massive 293-run partnership with opener Ahmed Hussain, who hammered 132 off 114 deliveries, including eight fours and two sixes. The duo’s record stand laid the foundation for Pakistan’s imposing total.

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Pakistan handed debuts to seven players — Ali Hassan Baloch, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor, Huzaifa Ahsan, Mohammad Sayyam, Niqab Shafiq and Sameer — all of whom contributed to a clinical all-round effort.

Malaysia never recovered after a shaky start to their chase, collapsing for just 48 in 19.4 overs. Ali Raza struck early to finish with exceptional figures of 3 for 11, while left-arm pacer Mohammad Sayyam claimed 3 for 27. Debutant Daniyal Ali Khan also impressed with 2 for 6, and Niqab Shafiq sealed the innings with a wicket.

With a commanding win under their belt, Pakistan will now face arch-rivals India on Sunday, 14 December, at the ICC Academy Ground. The match is scheduled to begin at 9am local time.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan 345-3, 50 overs (Sameer Minhas 177*, Ahmed Hussain 132; Nagineswaran Sathnakumaran 2-91)

Malaysia 48 all out, 19.4 overs (Ali Raza 3-11, Mohammad Sayyam 3-27, Daniyal Ali Khan 2-6)

Player of the Match: Sameer Minhas (Pakistan U19)