The stage is set for a blockbuster finale as the two giants of Asian age-group cricket, India U19 and Pakistan U19, clash in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 Final at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai.
After a grueling tournament, these two rivals meet again, just a week after their high-stakes group-stage encounter. India enters the final as the only undefeated team, while Pakistan has shown immense resilience to fight back and secure their spot in the title clash.
India holds the psychological edge, having defeated Pakistan by 90 runs in the group stage on December 14. In that game, India’s bowling depth and Aaron George’s middle-order heroics proved too much for the Boys in Green.
Key players to watch
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi: The 14-year-old sensation has been the talk of the tournament. His record-breaking 171 off 95 balls against UAE highlighted his explosive potential at the top.
- Ayush Mhatre (c): The skipper brings professional experience from the Ranji Trophy and IPL. Though he had a quiet group stage, his leadership and tactical acumen have been flawless.
- Aaron George: The hero of the previous IND-PAK clash, his 85-run knock rescued India from a precarious position.
- Deepesh Devendran: The pace spearhead who dismantled Pakistan’s top order with a 3-wicket burst in their earlier meeting.
- Huzaifa Ahsan: Pakistan’s most consistent batter, he fought a lone battle with a gritty 70 against India in the group stage and will be vital in the middle order.
- Ali Raza: A high-quality pacer who was instrumental in Pakistan’s U19 World Cup run last year. He will look to exploit any early moisture in the Dubai track.
- Farhan Yousaf (c): The captain leads a balanced side and will need to anchor the innings if the top order falters against India’s spinners.
- Mohammad Sayyam: A dangerous all-rounder who took 3 wickets against India earlier and provides crucial balance.
IND vs PAK, U19 Asia Cup Final: Match details
- Date and Time: December 21; 10:30 am IST / 5:00 am GMT / 9:00 am Local
- Venue: ICC Academy Ground, Dubai
ICC Academy Ground Pitch Report:
The pitch at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai typically offers a well-balanced surface that provides a true and consistent bounce, favoring top-order batters who are comfortable playing through the line early in the innings. As the match progresses and the Dubai sun dries out the surface, the pitch tends to slow down and offer grip, making the middle overs a tactical battle where spinners become crucial for controlling the run rate. Historically, this venue favors the team batting first, as the surface can become slightly more difficult to bat on in the second innings once it wears.
Squads:
India U19: Ayush Mhatre(c), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George, Vihaan Malhotra, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu(w), Kanishk Chouhan, Henil Patel, Khilan Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan, Naman Pushpak, Harvansh Pangalia, Yuvraj Gohil
Pakistan U19: Sameer Minhas, Hamza Zahoor(w), Usman Khan, Ahmed Hussain, Farhan Yousaf(c), Huzaifa Ahsan, Daniyal Ali Khan, Mohammad Shayan, Abdul Subhan, Mohammad Sayyam, Ali Raza, Momin Qamar, Ali Hassan Baloch, Niqab Shafiq, Mohammed Huzaifa
IND vs PAK, U19 Asia Cup 2025: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
India wins the toss and bowls first
Pakistan powerplay score: 40-50
Pakistan total score: 250-260
Case 2:
Pakistan wins the toss and bowls first
India powerplay score: 45-55
India total score: 270-290
Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest
