India’s Under-19 Asia Cup campaign will be thoroughly examined by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after a startling 191-run loss to Pakistan in the championship match. With the Under-19 World Cup set for early next year, the board is seeking clarification on both on-field choices and the team’s general behaviour in light of the defeat, which occurred in a match in Dubai.
On Monday, December 22, an online Apex Council meeting decided to evaluate the team’s performance. Following the lopsided final versus their bitter rivals, council members felt that explanations were required after discussing India’s performance throughout the tournament. The BCCI is reportedly expecting to speak with skipper Ayush Mhatre and head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar in addition to requesting a comprehensive report from the team manager.
India had a varied run that got them to the final, but the way they lost has caused the board to be concerned. Reports of player behaviour throughout the event have also surfaced, however it’s still unclear if this will be formally taken into account during the evaluation process.
The necessity to find and fix flaws well in advance of the 2026 Under-19 World Cup is a major factor in the BCCI’s proactive strategy.
Ayush Mhatre, the captain, decided to bowl first to start the game. Sameer Minhas, the opener for Pakistan, took full advantage of the circumstances, scoring 172 runs off of just 113 deliveries. In a Youth ODI final, he scored the most runs of any hitter with an innings that had nine sixes and 17 boundaries. Ahmed Hussain, who hit 56 from 72 balls, provided support for Minhas. Pakistan reached 347 for 8 in 50 overs thanks to the two players’ 137 runs for the third wicket. In the final overs, India was able to take wickets, with Deepesh Devendran taking three.
In response, India’s chase got underway quickly thanks to Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who hit 26 off just 10 balls. But as soon as he got Ali Raza behind him, the team collapsed. India had lost five wickets at the end of the powerplay. Ali Raza of Pakistan spearheaded the assault and concluded with a 4 for 42 record.
In just 26.2 overs, India was ultimately bowled out for 156. With a fast 36 off 16 balls, Deepesh Devendran put up a late fight, but no other batsman reached the 30-run threshold. Pakistan won the Under-19 Asia Cup for the first time with a convincing victory.
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