NEW DELHI: India will look to secure a record-extending 12th title when they face Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup final at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Sunday.Led by Ayush Mhatre, India topped Group A after winning all their matches. Pakistan finished second in the group, with their only loss coming against India, a 90-run defeat last Sunday.India continued their run in the semifinals on Friday, defeating Sri Lanka by eight wickets. Pakistan reached the final by beating defending champions Bangladesh.India’s journey to the final has been marked by contributions across departments. The batting unit has produced two totals above 400 in the tournament.The competition has also seen strong performances from young players, including 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu. After Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 95-ball 171 against UAE helped India post 433/6, Kundu followed it up with an unbeaten 209 off 125 balls against Malaysia, becoming the first Indian to score a double hundred in Youth ODIs.Both batters will be key against Pakistan’s bowling attack. India’s middle order has also delivered when needed. Aaron George has scored three consecutive half-centuries, while Vihaan Malhotra added a 61 not out against Sri Lanka.All-rounder Kanishk Chouhan has provided balance with late runs and wickets. He has taken six wickets in four matches, including 3/33 against Pakistan in the group stage.In bowling, pacer Deepesh Devendran has led India’s attack and is the joint-highest wicket-taker with 11 wickets, alongside Pakistan’s Abdul Subhan. Deepesh took 5/22 against Malaysia and removed three Pakistan batters in successive overs during the group match.Pakistan will rely on Sameer Minhas, who scored an unbeaten 177 against Malaysia and a half-century against Bangladesh. Their bowling strength lies in pace, with Subhan supported by Mohammad Sayyam and Ali Raza. Spin options include Niqab Shafiq and Ahmed Hussain.Pakistan’s batting has been inconsistent, and they will look to improve in the final. India’s senior team had defeated Pakistan three times in the Asia Cup T20 in September, and the junior side will aim to continue that run.Players from both teams are expected to follow the no-handshake policy. Pakistan won the Asia Cup once in 2012 and finished runners-up twice since then.The match will begin at 10.30 am IST.
