ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team arrived at the Islamabad International Airport on Monday to a heroes’ welcome after beating arch-rivals India in the final of the Asia Cup tournament a day earlier.
Pakistan thumped favorites India in a one-sided contest on Sunday in Dubai, beating them by 191 runs. Sent to bat first, Pakistan finished at an impressive 347-8 score after their 50 overs, powered by an explosive knock by batter Sameer Minhas, who smashed 172 off 113 balls.
In response, India could only manage a score of 156 runs before being bowled out, with Pakistan pacer Ali Raza returning figures of 4-42 from 6.2 overs.
“The Asian Under-19 champions received a rousing heroes’ welcome from the aircraft to Islamabad Airport, with enthusiastic receptions at several points along the way,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.
The team was welcomed at the airport by State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior Islamabad Police officials. The U-19 cricket stars were showered with rose petals as a large crowd of fans thronged the players as they arrived at the airport.
