India U19 collapsed to 69/4 after nine overs, chasing Pakistan's mammoth 348 in the U19 Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai. Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi departed after a brief 10-ball cameo featuring three sixes, losing his composure post-dismissal. Captain Ayush Mhatre and in-form Aaron George also fell cheaply. Vihaan Malhotra was bowled by Abdul Subhan attempting a leg-side drive. India reached 50 in just 4.3 overs but lost three early wickets. Abhigyan Kundu and Vedant Trivedi now face immense pressure, requiring 280 runs from 246 balls. Earlier, Pakistan's Sameer Minhas smashed a record-breaking 172, posting the highest individual score in U19 Asia Cup final history. (PC: X)

Pakistan U19's Sameer Minhas delivered a record-breaking 172 off 71 balls, powering his team to 347/8 against India U19 in the U19 Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai. Minhas set the highest-ever individual score in an U19 Asia Cup final, smashing 17 fours and nine sixes while accumulating 471 runs across five tournament matches. Ahmed Hussain contributed 56 runs. India dropped three catches but recovered late, taking five wickets in 24 balls through Deepesh Devendran (3), Khilan Patel (2), and Henil Patel (2). India now chase 348 runs, aiming for a record-extending ninth U19 Asia Cup title, while Pakistan seek their first since 2012. Focus shifts to 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi. (PC: X/@Cricbuzz)

Pakistan reached 260/3 in 38 overs against India in the U19 Asia Cup final, with Sameer Minhas delivering an extraordinary 147* performance. Khilan Patel provided India's crucial breakthrough, dismissing Ahmed Hussain for 56 and ending a formidable 137-run partnership. Hussain dragged a ball straight to mid-on where captain Ayush Mhatre completed the catch. New batsman Farhan Yousaf immediately displayed aggression, pulling Patel for a six. Minhas continued his breathtaking innings, including a lofted backfoot punch through extra cover. Pakistan crossed 250 in the 37th over. Under new laws, the final 16 overs use one ball, potentially aiding India's bowlers as the softer ball requires more precision. (PC: X)

Opener Sameer Minhas scored a century as Pakistan built towards a massive total against India in the ACC U19 Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday. India elected to field after winning the toss. Both teams reached the final with dominant eight-wicket victories in their respective semifinals as India defeated Sri Lanka U19 while Pakistan overcame Bangladesh U19. Minhas' exceptional innings put Pakistan in a commanding position during the marquee clash between the arch-rivals. The young opener's century anchored Pakistan's batting performance as they looked to post a formidable target. The final showcased the culmination of strong performances from both teams throughout the tournament.

Pakistan reached 139/2 in 20 overs against India in the U19 Asia Cup final in Dubai, driven by Sameer Minhas' exceptional batting performance. Khilan Patel provided India's breakthrough by dismissing Usman Khan, ending a crucial partnership. However, Minhas continued his dream innings, scoring 68 and breaking through India's sustained pressure with an innovative scoop shot over the keeper off Kanishk Chouhan. New batter Ahmed Hussain joined Minhas, known for his busy approach and gap-finding singles. The pair previously added 293 runs against Malaysia, showing strong camaraderie. India desperately seeks Minhas' wicket while attempting to build pressure through dot balls and quick wickets. (PC: India Today)

India’s cricket selection for the T20 World Cup 2026 saw a major surprise as star batter Shubman Gill was dropped from the 15-member squad, despite being vice-captain in recent T20Is. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and captain Suryakumar Yadav explained the decision was about team combination and balance, not a reflection of Gill’s talent. Selectors preferred players offering flexibility, including a wicketkeeper at the top order and stronger lower–middle batting options, leading to Axar Patel being named vice-captain and inclusion of others like Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh. Gill’s recent T20 form was also considered.

An old interview of India head coach Gautam Gambhir has gone viral after Shubman Gill was dropped from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad. In the clip, Gambhir spoke about losing vice-captaincy to Virat Kohli during MS Dhoni’s captaincy. “Has it ever happened before that only the vice-captain is changed while the captain remains?” he said. The comment drew fresh attention as Gill, India’s vice-captain before the South Africa series, was dropped. The timing has added to the debate around selection calls and leadership decisions. (PC: PTI)

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar on Saturday expressed surprise over Shubman Gill being dropped from India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. Gill was also removed as vice-captain. Gavaskar said Gill struggled in a few recent matches but stressed that “class is permanent, form is temporary.” He added that Gill lacked rhythm after a long break from T20 cricket. The decision was taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India ahead of the tournament. Gavaskar said Gill remains a quality batter despite his recent dip in form. (PC: AFP)

The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee announced India's 15-member T20 World Cup 2026 squad on Saturday, dropping vice-captain Shubman Gill and recalling Ishan Kishan. Kishan earned his return after scoring 517 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with a strike rate of 197.32, hitting 33 sixes and 51 fours while captaining Jharkhand to victory. Rinku Singh and Axar Patel also returned to the squad. Gill, who replaced Rohit Sharma as ODI captain, scored just 32 runs across three T20I innings against South Africa before injury. Jitesh Sharma lost his place to Kishan, while Shahbaz Ahmed was dropped. This marks Gill's second consecutive exclusion from a T20 World Cup squad. (PC: Times Now)

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan highlighted a "major concern" for the T20 World Cup 2026 squad hours before its announcement, warning about over-reliance on Hardik Pandya as a finisher. With less than 50 days before the tournament, Pathan stressed the importance of identifying who will support Pandya at the other end. Following Shubman Gill's return, specialist finisher Rinku Singh has been sidelined as management prioritizes a wicketkeeper-batter in the middle order. The 2007 T20 World Cup winner expressed hope that Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, or Jitesh Sharma would prove themselves, but emphasized the critical need for a backup finisher if Pandya gets out under pressure, calling it a significant headache for team management. (PC: Sportskeeda & NDTV)