 "Vaibhav Suryavanshi failed to play the patient game despite seeing wickets falling at the other end. Image: SonyLIV")
India U-19 suffered a crushing defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan in the final of the U-19 Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday, losing by a massive 191 runs in a completely one-sided contest. Pakistan lifted their second U19 Asia Cup title, and their first as sole winners, as India failed in all departments on the big day.
Even Vaibhav Suryavanshi and captain Ayush Mhatre, the big names of this India U19 team, failed to deliver as Pakistan ran over them. One of the mistakes India made early on in the match was to hand the batting to Pakistan after winning the toss. They piled up a huge 347/8, riding on a sensational knock by opener Sameer Minhas. The right-hander smashed 172 runs off 113 balls, hitting 17 fours and nine sixes, and left the Indian bowlers helpless on a flat ICC Academy pitch.
Chasing a massive target, India needed a special effort, but the chase fell apart quickly. Although the innings started on an explosive note, thanks to Suryavanshi, things went downhill in no time. Ayush Mhatre was dismissed early, and Ali Raza made a good comeback after being hit for a few runs in his first over. He also dropped a catch, but went on to pick four wickets, including that of Suryavanshi.
Disaster struck immediately after, as India kept losing wickets on regular intervals and struggled to score runs. India were eventually bowled out for just 156 in 26.2 overs and Pakistan were crowned champions. Minhas was named the Player of the Match and Series for finishing as the highest run-getter and his 71-ball ton in the final.
Fans slam India’s performance
As Pakistan celebrated their title win, there were no formal handshakes between the two teams, a familiar sight in Indo-Pak clashes in recent times. Meanwhile, fans on social media slammed the Indian team for not showing up in such a big match. Indian players’ shoulders dropped as soon as they were put under pressure, which fans didn’t like.