History beckons in Dubai. On Sunday, December 21, 2025, the Dubai International Cricket Stadium will host one of the most anticipated fixtures in youth cricket: the India vs Pakistan U19 Asia Cup final. And for India, it’s not just about rivalry—it’s about legacy. With an undefeated run through the tournament and eyes set on a record-extending 12th U19 Asia Cup title, this young Indian side is on the cusp of etching their names into the annals of cricketing history .
Having swept past Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh with clinical precision, India’s blend of explosive batting and disciplined bowling has left opponents scrambling. Now, they face their fiercest test yet: a motivated Pakistan side hungry for redemption. The stage is set for a classic.
Table of Contents
- India vs Pakistan U19 Asia Cup Final: Match Preview
- India’s Unbeaten Journey to the Final
- Pakistan’s Path to the Final: Key Performances
- Key Players to Watch
- Head-to-Head: U19 Asia Cup Rivalry
- Why a 12th Title Would Be Historic
- How to Watch: Live Broadcast Details
- Conclusion: A New Chapter in a Glorious Rivalry
- Sources
India vs Pakistan U19 Asia Cup Final: Match Preview
Set against the dazzling skyline of Dubai, the final promises fireworks. India, led by their dynamic captain Uday Saharan, enters as heavy favorites—having won all four group matches by convincing margins . Pakistan, meanwhile, edged past Nepal and UAE but showed grit in their semifinal win over Sri Lanka.
The pitch in Dubai is expected to be batting-friendly with some assistance for spinners in the middle overs—a condition that favors India’s well-rounded attack and deep batting lineup.
India’s Unbeaten Journey to the Final
India’s dominance wasn’t just impressive—it was historic. Highlights include:
- A double century by opener Arshin Kulkarni (202*) against Bangladesh—the highest individual score in this edition .
- Fast bowler Murugan Abhishek’s 5/18 against Sri Lanka, dismantling their top order in under 10 overs .
- All-rounder Ashwani Kumar’s consistent contributions: 180+ runs and 7 wickets across four matches .
Their net run rate of +2.14 is the best in tournament history, underscoring their all-round superiority .
Pakistan’s Path to the Final: Key Performances
Pakistan’s campaign has been more about resilience than dominance. Their standout performer has been wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Shehzad, who scored a crucial 98* in the semifinal . Spinner Ali Raza also impressed with 9 wickets at an economy of 4.2.
However, their middle order remains a concern, collapsing twice against lower-ranked sides. If they’re to challenge India, their batting beyond No. 4 must deliver under pressure.
Key Players to Watch
For India:
- Arshin Kulkarni (Opener): The tournament’s leading run-scorer with 312 runs at an average of 156.00.
- Murugan Abhishek (Pacer): 12 wickets @ 8.50—fearsome with the new ball.
- Uday Saharan (Captain): Calm leader, already has a U19 World Cup win under his belt (2022).
For Pakistan:
- Muhammad Shehzad (WK-Batter): 245 runs, strike rate of 142.
- Ali Raza (Spinner): Economical and wicket-taking in middle overs.
- Ahmed Khan (All-rounder): Capable of quick 30s and breakthrough overs.
Head-to-Head: U19 Asia Cup Rivalry
India and Pakistan have clashed in the U19 Asia Cup final four times previously—with India winning all four . The last meeting in 2021 saw India triumph by 8 wickets in Colombo. Overall, India leads the U19 Asia Cup head-to-head 8–2.
But as cricket fans know, stats mean little when these two giants collide.
Why a 12th Title Would Be Historic
India has won 11 of the 15 U19 Asia Cups since its inception in 1989—more than all other nations combined . A 12th title would not only extend this dominance but cement India’s status as the undisputed powerhouse of youth cricket in Asia.
More importantly, this squad features multiple players on the verge of senior national selection. Success here could fast-track their careers—much like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant before them.
How to Watch: Live Broadcast Details
The India vs Pakistan U19 Asia Cup final will be broadcast live on:
- TV: Star Sports Network
- Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar
- Start Time: 2:00 PM IST, Sunday, December 21, 2025
For real-time updates, follow the official Asia Cup website .
Conclusion: A New Chapter in a Glorious Rivalry
Whether you’re a fan of nail-biting finishes or historic milestones, the India vs Pakistan U19 Asia Cup final has it all. For India, it’s a chance to make history with a 12th title. For Pakistan, it’s an opportunity to end a long streak of final losses. One thing is certain: on this Dubai pitch, future stars will be born. Don’t miss it. For more on emerging talents, check out our [INTERNAL_LINK:top-u19-cricketers-to-watch-2026].
Sources
- Times of India: U19 Asia Cup: Unbeaten India take on Pakistan in final
- Official Asia Cup Website – Tournament Stats [[3], [7], [12], [15], [18]]
- Match reports from PTI and ACC (Asian Cricket Council) [[5], [6], [9]]