Mumbai, Dec 21 (NationPress) Sameer Minhas, the Under-19 batter from Pakistan, achieved a lifelong ambition by scoring a stunning 172 runs off 113 balls to lead his team to a remarkable victory over their long-time rivals India, winning the Under-19s Asia Cup title in Dubai on Sunday.

Having picked up the bat at the age of nine, Sameer always envisioned himself making a significant impact in a crucial match, and this Sunday, he turned that vision into reality with his explosive performance, as reported.

His innings, comprising nine sixes and 17 boundaries, propelled Pakistan to an imposing total of 347/8. Meanwhile, the Pakistani pace attack, featuring Ali Raza, Abdul Subhan, and Mohammad Sayyam, dismantled the Indian batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 156 runs in 26.2 overs, resulting in a decisive 191-run victory.

Coming from a family with deep cricketing roots, Sameer’s elder brother Arafat has represented Pakistan in four T20Is, and his father Kashif has been an accomplished club cricketer in Multan.

“It has always been my childhood aspiration to make a significant mark in cricket, and I am thrilled to have achieved this milestone with my hundred, especially against India,” Sameer expressed to Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net).

This victory marked Pakistan's seventh triumph over India in 11 encounters at the junior level since 2019, echoing the Champions Trophy in 2017 when Pakistan lost the group stage but ultimately clinched the title with an 180-run win in the final.

Sameer, who was named Player of the Match for the final and also earned the title of Player of the Tournament, noted that the team had confidence going into the final, as discussed by Sarfaraz Sir the night before. “He instilled belief in us that we could overpower the Indian team,” he mentioned to www.telecomasia.net.

Interestingly, Sameer felt no added pressure while competing against India. “We had faced them earlier in the tournament, so there wasn't any pressure. When they opted to field first, we were eager to set a solid total, which would put them under pressure,” he added.

The atmosphere at Sameer’s home in Multan was lively from early morning, with his family anticipating a stellar performance from him.

“We were confident of witnessing fireworks from Minhas, and I am immensely proud that my son played a pivotal role in our victory over India,” Kashif Minhas stated to Telecom Asia Sport. “A win against India brings us unparalleled joy,” he added.

Kashif raised his sons with principles of hard work and integrity, being involved in the mango export business and traditional Multan halwa (sweet) trade, as indicated in the report.