PM reward caps historic U19 Asia Cup triumph over India

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team were rewarded at the highest level after their emphatic Asia Cup triumph, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announcing a Rs10 million cash reward for the players following their title-winning campaign.

“We just met the prime minister, who appreciated the team and management and announced a one-crore reward for the players,” mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed said at the post-final press conference in Islamabad. “These children worked very hard, and the coaching staff did an outstanding job.”

The reward came after Pakistan delivered a dominant 191-run victory over India in the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup final last week at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai, successfully defending 347 for 8 and bowling India out for 156 in 26.2 overs.

Batting first on a true surface, Pakistan posted a formidable 347-8 in 50 overs, laying the foundation for a one-sided final. The total proved far beyond India’s reach as Pakistan’s pace-heavy attack dismantled the chase with relentless accuracy and discipline.

The win ended a 13-year wait for a major U19 title, underlining the strength of Pakistan’s youth system. Since 1989, Pakistan had not won an outright U19 Asia Cup, sharing the title with India in 2012. Their previous global successes came at the ICC U19 World Cups in 2004 and 2006.

Reflecting on the team’s mindset, head coach Shahid Anwar said the group followed a clear philosophy from the outset.

“Our motto was to play fearless but not careless cricket and to remain unified through faith and discipline,” Anwar said. “I had stated on record before leaving for Dubai that we would not only win hearts but also the trophy, and by the grace of Allah, the result is before you.”

Ahmed rejected suggestions that the final revolved around one individual performance.

“I don’t believe it was a one-man show,” he said. “Usman Khan and Ahmed Hussain played crucial innings and formed important partnerships. Even the lower order contributed to reaching 347 runs. It was a collective team performance.”

Pakistan’s bowlers made full use of grass and carry in the surface.

Ali Raza finished with figures of 6-0-38-3, while Abdul Subhan delivered a standout spell of 2-13 from eight overs, including a maiden. Mohammad Sayyam and spinner Huzaifa Ahsan took two wickets apiece.

Explaining his approach, Abdul Subhan said discipline was key.

“My strategy was to bowl dot balls,” he said. “At the U19 level, when you bowl dot balls, the batsmen eventually make mistakes trying to score, and that is how I got my wickets.”

Captain Farhan admitted his own batting returns were modest but emphasized collective responsibility.

“Our plan was always to play as a team,” he said. “I feel I did not perform as well as I should have individually, but I tried to chip in for the team. The management is backing us, and I will look to correct these mistakes in the upcoming World Cup and Tri-Series.”

Farhan also revealed there was no panic after losing the toss.

“We actually wanted to bat first because it was a used, true pitch,” he said. “When the Indian captain won the toss and chose to bowl, my morale actually went up because it aligned with our plan.”

Anwar detailed the long preparation behind the title.

“We began a unique process on June 17, 2025,” he said. “We initially called 70 boys for trials, sent them to regional tournaments, and then held a 30-player camp for five months.”

Addressing questions about Pakistan’s U19 success compared to senior-level struggles, Anwar pointed to fundamentals.

“At this age, we focus 99% on basics and mentality,” he said. “The transition to senior cricket involves changes in lifestyle and environment. While some players filter out, around 80 percent of our stars have come through this same U19 system.”

Sarfaraz Ahmed also addressed a viral clip in which he urged players to maintain discipline against India.

“I told my boys that we must celebrate with sportsman spirit and dignity,” he said. “We wanted to win the game the right way and back our own team rather than responding to their actions.”

Pakistan’s commanding performance, built on preparation, fearless intent, and disciplined execution, not only secured a major youth title but reinforced confidence in the country’s cricketing pipeline, capped fittingly by national recognition from the prime minister.