DUBAI (Dunya News) – Pakistan made a commanding start to their U19 Asia Cup 2025 campaign, thrashing Malaysia by a record 297 runs at The Sevens, Dubai, on Friday.
After setting a daunting target of 346 runs, the Green Shirts’ bowlers dismantled the Malaysian batting lineup for just 48 runs in 19.4 overs.
Pakistan’s innings was powered by spectacular centuries from Sameer Minhas and Ahmed Hussain. The pair forged a monumental third-wicket partnership of 293 runs, with Sameer finishing unbeaten on 177 off 148 balls, striking 11 fours and eight sixes. Ahmed scored 132 from 144 deliveries, including eight fours and two sixes, before falling hit-wicket in the penultimate over. Earlier, Pakistan had lost two early wickets for 30 runs, but the partnership between the middle-order batters turned the innings into a commanding total of 345/3 in their allotted 50 overs.
Malaysia’s attempt to chase the imposing target ended in disaster. None of their batters managed double figures, with captain Deeaz Patro and Muhammad Akram top-scoring with just nine runs each. Pakistan’s bowling was clinical, with Ali Raza and Mohammad Sayyam taking three wickets apiece, Daniyal Ali Khan claiming two, and Niqab Shafiq picking up one. Malaysia’s Nagineswaran Sathnakumaran, who took two wickets, was costly, conceding 91 runs in his 10 overs.
Pakistan 15-member squad
Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq and Sameer Minhas
Next up: India
Following this emphatic victory, Pakistan will face their traditional rivals India on Sunday, 14 December, in what promises to be a high-stakes clash in the tournament’s second round.