The U19 Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan on December 21, 2025, in Dubai, witnessed a fiery moment as India's Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Pakistani bowler Ali Raza were involved in a heated exchange following Suryavanshi's dismissal.
Chasing a formidable 348 for victory, India got off to an aggressive start, with Suryavanshi smashing two sixes and a four off Raza in the first over. However, his aggressive innings was cut short in the 5th over when Raza dismissed him for 26. The dismissal triggered a war of words between the two young players.
Reports suggest that Raza's delivery, angled across, induced a thick edge from Suryavanshi, which was caught behind by Pakistan's keeper, Hamza Zahoor. Following the dismissal, a heated exchange ensued, with Suryavanshi seemingly gesturing towards his shoes, in response to alleged sledging from the bowler. Some reports suggest Raza possibly said something to instigate the reaction. This apparent taunt added fuel to the already intense rivalry between the two nations.
Suryavanshi's quickfire 26 came off just 10 balls and included 3 sixes and a four. His dismissal left India at 51/3, putting them under early pressure in the chase. The incident involving Suryavanshi and Raza underscores the high emotions often associated with India-Pakistan encounters, even at the U19 level.
The pressure mounted on the Indian side, with the team eventually losing the match. After Suryavanshi's wicket, India continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, struggling to build meaningful partnerships. India were 57/3 at the end of six overs. The team reached 100 in the 18th over, but had already lost seven wickets.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan posted a commanding 347/8, built around a brilliant century from Sameer Minhas, who scored 172 runs off 113 balls. Ahmed Hussain also contributed with 56 runs. Deepesh Devendran was the pick of the Indian bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 83 runs.
The U19 Asia Cup is a prestigious tournament showcasing the future stars of Asian cricket. The final between India and Pakistan is always a highly anticipated affair, adding another chapter to the storied rivalry between the two cricketing nations.
