Pakistan’s young guns are shining

Deepesh Devendran went for a powerful shot, the ball hanging in the Dubai air for a brief, dramatic moment before Ahmed Hussain settled under it and completed the catch. With this simple act, Pakistan were crowned champions of the Under-19 Asia Cup. It wasn’t just a victory. it was a statement. Beating India by 191 runs in a final is no ordinary feat – it’s the kind of result that reverberates for years.

What made the triumph even more impressive was the context. Just a week earlier in the same tournament, India had defeated Pakistan by 90 runs. This loss planted the seeds of doubt and many wondered how the Green Shirts would react when it mattered most. The answer came in the most emphatic way. Pakistan didn’t just beat India. they overwhelmed them so comprehensively that this final will be etched in the memory on both sides of the border.

At the center of the show was Sameer Minhas, who batted with the authority of a seasoned international. Facing India had no visible fear—only purpose. His thrilling innings of 172 runs, studded with 17 fours and nine sixes, was an exhibition of confidence, timing and power. At just 19, Minhas played like a man who knew exactly what the occasion called for. If this can produce at a youth level, the future promises much more.

The bowling matched the batting in intent and execution. Ali Raza stood out with his pace and control, confirming why he is already being talked about in PCB circles as a future star. Along with him, Abdul Subhan and Mohammad Sayyam provided relentless support, ensuring that India never found a way back into the contest. The key challenge now is to nurture this talent properly—protecting these players from burnout, poor planning and premature expectations so that they can eventually serve Pakistan at the highest level.

History tells us that most great cricketers announce themselves early. Under-19 cricket has long been a launching pad and this tournament was no different. Along with Minhas, batsmen like Ahmed Hussain and bowlers like Ali Raza, Abdul Subhan and Mohammad Sayyam have come into the limelight. With an under-19 World Cup on the horizon, this Asian Cup triumph provides momentum and belief. Pakistan’s ‘Little Stars’ really shined.

Encouragingly, this success is not an isolated event. Pakistan’s youth teams have been performing consistently in recent times. After the achievements of the emerging team, the Under-19s have now made their mark. There is a lesson here for the senior side, which has struggled against India in recent years. These young people did not crumble under pressure. They looked their opponents in the eye, absorbed the heat, and reacted. One hit single-handedly changed the course of the match – something rarely seen at the top level, where fear too often dictates results.

Growth, however, does not happen by chance. For years, Pakistan has heard former “superstars” say they are ready to coach the national team but unwilling to work at the under-19 level due to lack of money or exposure. As a result, junior teams were often left in the hands of lesser-known faces. India took a different route, appointing Rahul Dravid to work with the Under-19 and ‘A’ teams—a decision that paid rich dividends.

Pakistan, thankfully, seems to be learning. Sarfaraz Ahmed, himself a former Under-19 World Cup captain, has embraced the role of mentor and manager. During a recent visit to Dubai, I saw firsthand how closely Sarfaraz bonded with the young players. He didn’t just offer cricket tips. it also helped them deal with personal challenges. That is why they call him ‘Saifi Bai’. His presence has brought trust, humility and faith – qualities that money cannot buy.

Someone recently texted me saying: “Ex-cricketers claim Pakistan’s talent has dried up – so how did our under-19 team beat India by such a margin?” The answer is simple: the talent has never dried up. Cricket runs in the veins of Pakistan. Every road hides a potential cricketer, every taped ball game a raw gem. All these young people need is opportunity, structure and honesty in choice.

It was reassuring to see that merit prevailed this time. Despite earlier controversies surrounding favouritism, the selectors – led by Aaqib Javed – insisted on the performance. When the choice is fair, the results follow. Under the leadership of Mohsin Naqvi, PCB seems to be moving in the right direction and early signs are promising.

Under-19 cricket is the first step on a long road. From here, only a handful will rise to stardom. many more will disappear. The choice lies with these young players – to stay focused, hungry and disciplined. For now, though, they deserve the celebration.

Lifting the Asia Cup abroad and raising the national flag high, this team gave the nation a rare moment of pure sporting joy.

Well done Team Pakistan.