India got a dominating win over the United Arab Emirates in the ongoing U-19 Asia Cup tournament. The India U-19 team won the match by a massive margin of 234 runs with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as the Player of the Match for his outstanding 171 (95). 

But it was not Vaibhav alone who took the team total to 433 in 50 overs; there were two batters who helped the team with half-centuries. Aaron George was one of them who supported Vaibhav and the Indian batting lineup significantly. Vaibhav and Aaron together stitched a partnership of 212 runs and boosted up the run tally. George individually scored 69 off 73 with seven 4s and one 6. 

While Suryavanshi was smashing the ball all over the park, George tried to play an anchor role without making any hurry. Before the tournament, George was struggling with his form but set it right when the time came. 

Read More: Shardul Thakur takes 2 DRS to review two wide calls during MUM vs HYD SMAT 2025 match

Who is Aaron George?

Aaron George, hailing from Kottayam, Kerala, made his name after playing with Hyderabad. The 19-year-old is known for his batting skills and leadership qualities. Under his leadership, Hyderabad, after 38 years, won silverware in domestic cricket. George guided a bunch of young cricketers to win the Vinoo Mankad Trophy. After the triumph, he went to play for the Under-19 India-B team as well. 

The ardent fan of South African legend AB de Villiers emerged as one of the best batting prodigies in Hyderabad. He scored a total of 341 and 373 runs in the last two seasons of the Vinoo Mankad Trophy. George grew up as a leader. Since the Vijay Marchent Trophy days, he has captained teams. During the 2022-23 Vijay Merchant Trophy, he registered a 303-run knock against Bihar, which caught selectors' attention.

Sameer Minhas has become the latest batting sensation of Pakistan cricket. In an Under 19 Asia Cup match, Sameer registered an elusive 177-run knock off 148 balls with eleven boundaries and eight over-boundaries. With the brilliant batting performance, Pakistan U-19 claimed a win with dominance against the under-19 team of Malaysia. 

Pakistan U-19 went to bat first and instantly faced a tough situation as they lost two wickets early in the innings. They were down by two batters for only 30 on the scoreboard. But the Malaysian bowlers were not able to continue the momentum as two Pakistani batters, Sameer and Ahmed Hussain, were in full flow. Both of the batters scored a century each. Ahmed departed for 132 off 114, while Sameer remained for 177 not out. 

Sameer started to create the innings with patience as Pakistan lost two wickets early in the match. The right-handed batter was watchful against the pacer in the early hours of the game. He gradually switched gears when Spinner came into attack. Sameer's most of the big shots came against the spinner. All over the park, the Under-19 Pakistan batter guided the ball to go over the boundary rope. 

Also Read: Watch: 6, 4, 6, 4 uncapped Indian batter's amazing hitting ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Under-19 Pakistan batter scored an unbeaten 177 off 148:

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Asian Cricket Council (@asiancricketcouncil)

Pakistan Under-19 delivered an outstanding performance, posting a formidable 345 for 3 in their full 50 overs. Malaysia Under-19, in contrast, struggled significantly and were bundled out for just 48 runs, unable to cope with Pakistan’s strong bowling attack. This led to an extraordinary victory margin of 297 runs, underscoring Pakistan’s dominant display in every department. The match highlighted the vast difference in experience and skill between the two sides, with Pakistan showcasing depth in their batting lineup and disciplined execution in the field.

Sameer Minhas has drawn attention partly because he comes from a family deeply engaged with cricket. He is widely recognized as the younger brother of Arafat Minhas, who represented Pakistan Under-19 in the 2024 World Cup and has built a growing reputation in youth cricket. This connection suggests that Sameer has been exposed to a strong cricketing environment from an early age, likely benefiting from both guidance and inspiration within his household. His background reflects the influence of a family passionate about nurturing talent and encouraging involvement in the sport.

The ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2025 is set to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from December 12 to 21, featuring eight teams from the region as they gear up for the next year’s ICC U-19 World Cup. The competition will include the five Test-playing nations alongside three associate nations as they have been divided into two groups for the tournament.

The group A is consisted of India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and hosts UAE, while for the group B, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal have found their feet. The competition will begin with a group stage, followed by the knockout rounds to determine the champion. The two teams from each group will make it into the semis, with the group winners facing the runners-up. The final will be on December 21.

ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2025 full schedule, squads, and live streaming

Indian fans can catch all the games of the ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2025 live on the Sony Sports Network. The event will also be available for live streaming on the SonyLIV app and website.

See Also: Star player returns as Australia name 15-member squad for 3rd Ashes 2025/26 Test in Adelaide

ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2025- full squads

India- Ayush Mhatre (c), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk..), Harvansh Singh (wk.), Yuvraj Gohil, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Naman Pushpak, D. Deepesh, Henil Patel, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan, Aaron George.

Afghanistan- Mehboob Taskin (c), Khalid Ahmadzai (wk..), Osman Sadat, Faisal Khan Shinozada, Uzair Khan Niazi, Azizullah Miakhil, Nazeefullah Amiri, Khatir Khan Stanikzai, Nasratullah Nooristani, Abdul Aziz Khan, Salam Khan Ahmadzai, Wahidullah Zadran, Zaitullah Shaheen, Rohullah Arab, and Hafeezullah Zadran.

UAE- Yayin Rai (c), Ahmed Khodadad, Aliasgar Shums, Ayaan Misbah, Karan Dhiman, Muhammad Bazil Asim, Naseem Khan, Noorullah Ayobi, Prithvi Madhu, Rayan Khan, Saleh Amin, Shalom D'Souza, Uddish Suri, Yug Sharma, Zainullah Rahmani.

Pakistan- Saad Baig (C), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza, Faham-ul-Haq, Farhan Yousuf, Haroon Arshad, Mohammad Ahmed, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Riazullah, Naveed Ahmed Khan, Shahzaib Khan, Tayyab Arif, Umar Zaib, Usman Khan

Malaysia- Deeaz Patro (c), Muhammad Aalif, Jaashwin Krishnamurthi, Hamzah Panggi, Muhammad Akram, Mohammad Hariz Afnan, Azib Wajdi, Muhamad Nurhanif, Che Ahmad Al Atif Che Zaman, Muhd Asyraf Rifaie Mohd Afinid, Mohammad Hairil (wk.), Muhammad Fathul Muin, Nagineswaran Sathnakumaran, Syakir Izzudin

Bangladesh- Azizul Hakim Tamim (c), Zawad Abrar, Samiun Basir Ratul, Sheikh Paevej Jibon, Rizan Hossan, Shadin Islam, Md Abdullah, Farid Hasan Faysal, Kalam Siddiki Aleen, Iqbal Hossain Emon, Rifat Beg, Shahriar Al Amin, Ahmed Shahriar, Saad Islam Razin, Md Shabuj.

Nepal- Ashok Dhami (c), Aashish Luhar (wk..), Vansh Chhetri, Niraj Kumar Yadav (WK), Dilsad Ali, Aprajit Poudel, Shushil Bahadur Rawal, Dayanand Mandal, Nitesh Kumar Patel, Chandan Ram, Roshan Bishwakarma, Darsh Sonar, Nishcal Kshetri, Cibrin Shrestha.

Sri Lanka- Vimath Dinsara (C), Kavija Gamage (V/C), Dimantha Mahavithana, Viran Chamuditha, Dulnith Sigera, Chamika Heenatigala, Adham Hilmy, Chamarindu Nethsara, Kithma Vidanapathirana, Sethmika Seneviratne, Sanuja Ninduwara, Kugathas Mathulan, Rasith Nimsara, Vigneshwaran Akash, Tharusha Navodya.

The Junior Cricket Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the U-19 squad for the Indian side for the upcoming ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2025, which will take place in Dubai from December 12. They handed the leadership duty to Ayush Mhatre, who has already become a household name, having featured for the Chennai Super Kings. 

The event serves as a crucial platform for displaying the next generation for the side against some of the talented players of Asia’s youth team. The upcoming Indian star, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, will aim to continue his dominance with the bat at the opening position. He has also been retained by the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026.

See Also: “Emotional coach is…”- Ab de Villiers drops shocking verdict on Gautam Gambhir post 0-2 series defeat vs SA

Mhatre, the 18-year-old, has been excellent with the bat in the Lis A format. The right-handed batter has recorded 458 runs in seven innings at an average of 65.42 and a strike rate of 135.50 with the help of two centuries and one fifty at the best score of 181.

Ayush Mhatre to lead India in Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2025

Meanwhile, Suryavanshi has struggled in the List-A format with only 132 runs in six innings at an average of 22 and a strike rate of 110, with the best score 71, which was his one and only half-century.

Group A- India, Pakistan, Qualifier 1, and Qualifier 3

Group B- Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Qualifier 2

India’s U-19 Squad for Asia Cup 2025: 

Ayush Mhatre (C), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra (vc), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), Yuvraj Gohil, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Naman Pushpak, D. Deepesh, Henil Patel, Kishan Kumar Singh (subject to fitness), Udhav Mohan, Aaron George.

Stand-by players- Rahul Kumar, Hemchudeshan J, B.K. Kishore, Aditya Rawat.

The former Indian spinner, Maninder Singh, tore into the India A team management after the tactical decision contributed to their exit from the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025, with the India A side being crashed out of the campaign with the defeat against Bangladesh in the semifinal after they failed to use their brain in the chaotic super over. 

It was a brain-fade moment and a decision by the Indian management not to send their in-form and talented batter, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, as one of the two batters in the semifinal. The left-handed opening batter smashed a fine 38 runs in just 15 balls with the help of two boundaries and four sixes at a strike rate of 253.33.

See Also: Watch: Ben Stokes celebrates 5/23 during opening Ashes 2025/26 Test in Perth

“Still trying to think what the India A think-tank was doing. Why didn’t they send Vaibhav Suryavanshi to bat in the Super Over? Sunil Joshi, the India A head coach, what is he writing now? The ship has already sailed.” Maninder Singh expressed in the commentary box during the semifinal game.

Maninder Singh slams Sunil Joshi for avoiding Vaibhav Suryavanshi in Asia Cup 2025 semifinal

Bangladesh A posted 194/6 in their allotted 20 overs of the first innings of the clash as their opening batter, Habibur Rahman Sohan, smashed a fine knock of 65 runs in 46 balls with the help of three boundaries and five sixes at a strike rate of 141.30. At the same time, SM Meherob nailed an unbeaten knock of 48 runs in 18 balls with the help of six sixes and one four.

In reply, India continued to lose wickets. Apart from Suryavanshi, only Jitesh Sharma looked threatening with the bat as he got 33 runs in 23 balls with the help of two sixes and one boundary at a strike rate of 143.48. Some brainless tactic from Bangladesh pushed the game into the super over.

In the super over, India lost both their batters in the first two balls, while Bangladesh lost their first wicket in the very first ball, before a wide sealed the deal for them as they will take on Pakistan A in the final.

A controversial moment took place between the India A vs Pakistan A clash during the Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 clash at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha. The incident took place regarding a relay catch between Nahal Wadhera and Naman Dhir that was ultimately ruled as ‘not out’ by the third umpire. 

India A had set the modest target of 137 runs after experiencing a significant batting collapse, while the opponent opening batters, especially Maaz Sadaqat, were in special touch as he smashed a dominating knock of a 31-ball fifty. As the turning point occurred on the first ball of the 10th over, when Suyash Sharma induced a lofted shot from Maaz towards the deep region.

See Also: Watch: Naman Dhir takes brilliant catch to dismiss Mohammad Naim in IND A vs PAK A Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025

Wadhera chased the shot towards the boundary line while being airborne outside the rope. He managed to flick the delivery back into play as Naman Dhir completed what appeared to be a valid catch inside the field. However, the umpires didn’t give the dismissal as Sadaqat continued batting.

Watch: India A denied wicket of Maaz Sadaqat during IND-A vs PAK-A Rising Stars 2025

Once the screen displayed ‘not out’, it stunned the Indian players. Captain Jitesh Sharma immediately clarified the decision with the officials. The decision was based on the significant change of boundary fielding announced by the MCC in June 2025.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by 𝐑𝐚𝐣𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐰 (@rs.crickt)

Law 19.5.2 addressed the confusion around the airborne relay attempts and the multiple touches outside the field of play. The previous rules and regulations would have given it out, but the current ones require all the fielders who touch the ball to meet the specific grounding requirements. A fielder can touch the ball once while airborne outside the boundary.

The controversy deepened when neither a six nor a single run was awarded to the Pakistan Shaheens on the delivery as the batters didn’t cross the crease. Pakistan completed a comfortable chase in the second innings and has qualified for the semi-final of the tournament.

Now it's time for the emerging Indian cricketers to take on the archrival Pakistan (IND A vs PAK A). After the Asia Cup 2025, these two nations are face-to-face for the ACC Men's Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 title. This time too, India is the favorite to win the tournament. Spotlights will be on young talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who already showed his firepower in the tournament before. Against the Pakistan A team, the India A team batter will try to do what he can do best—hitting the ball all over the park. Along with Suryavanshi, Punjab Kings star batter Priyansh Arya will be there in the middle of West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha to build a solid foundation as a top-order batter. It is a crucial match for Jitesh Sharma as well. He is the captain of the India A team.

Toss Update: 

Pakistan A team won the toss and elected to bowl first. Which means the batter from Bihar will be at the front to face the Pakistani bowlers first. 

India A vs Pakistan A match playing XIs:

India A (Playing XI): Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Priyansh Arya, Nehal Wadhera, Naman Dhir, Jitesh Sharma (w/c), Ramandeep Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Harsh Dubey, Yash Thakur, Gurjapneet Singh, Suyash Sharma. 

Read More: Nishant Sindhu and Harshit Rana crush South Africa A for 132 all out in IND-A vs SA-A 2nd unofficial ODI

Pakistan A (Playing XI): Mohammad Naeem, Maaz Sadaqat, Yasir Khan, Mohammad Faiq, Irfan Khan (c), Saad Masood, Ghazi Ghori (w), Shahid Aziz, Ubaid Shah, Ahmed Daniyal, and Sufiyan Muqeem.

India A vs Pakistan A match details:

Series: ACC Men's Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025

Stadium: West End Park International Cricket Stadium

Toss: Pakistan A won the toss and opted to bowl.

Venue: West End Park International Cricket Stadium, Doha

Umpires: Hemantha Boteju, Mahmood Kharoti

3rd Umpire: Morshed Ali Khan

Referee: Pradeep Jeyaprakashdaran

Live Telecast: 

Streaming: SonyLIV

TV: Sony Sports Network

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced the introduction of two brand-new tournaments - a “Legends of Asia” event and a League for Associate Nations - following its board meeting in Doha on Saturday. The decision comes in the wake of the Asia Cup’s exceptional success and record-breaking viewership, which reportedly exceeded expectations.

An ACC spokesperson told Telecom Asia Sport that these upcoming events aim to expand the game’s footprint across Asia, particularly among developing cricket nations. “The viewership of the Asia Cup was more than expected, so encouraged by that, the ACC Board has decided to host a Legends of Asia event and a League amongst the associate members of the ACC,” the spokesperson said.

Focus on Promoting Rising Talent

The meeting, chaired by ACC President Mohsin Naqvi of Pakistan, also finalized preparations for the Rising Stars Asia Cup - previously known as the Emerging Asia Cup. The eight-nation T20 tournament will take place in Doha from November 14 to 23, with upgraded facilities set to host the games.

Naqvi emphasized the ACC’s mission to strengthen cricket in emerging regions. “We want to promote cricket in new and developing cricket countries across Asia. The ACC will provide full support to nations looking to grow the sport,” he said.

Big Opening Clash: India vs Pakistan

The Rising Stars Asia Cup promises a blockbuster start, with India and Pakistan set to face off on the opening day, November 14. They will be joined in Group A by Oman and the UAE, while Group B features Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.

ALSO SEE: South Africa A registers massive record against India A during 2nd unofficial Test in Bengaluru

In this format, Test-playing nations including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan will send their A teams, while associate members - UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong - will participate with their senior squads.

Spotlight on Indo-Pak Dynamics

As always, the India–Pakistan clash is expected to draw global attention, both on and off the field. Discussions have already begun over whether the traditional handshake between the two teams will take place and, if India goes on to win the tournament, whether players will accept the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, who will be the chief guest at the final.

Future Plans and Women’s Cricket

The ACC is also considering expanding its calendar further, with proposals for a Women’s Legends of Asia series and additional tournaments for associate members. The council expressed satisfaction with the fan engagement during the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, hosted in the UAE, and reaffirmed its focus on developing the women’s game in Asia.

Naqvi concluded by stating, “We will continue to take steps that help every Asian cricket nation rise. These new events will celebrate our legends while providing new opportunities for the next generation.”

After the Asia Cup 2025, now, focus will be slowly shifting towards the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025. In this tournament, Asia's leading cricket-playing nations will showcase their upcoming talents. In this tournament too, India will be the favorite to win. Like the Asia Cup 2025, in this tournament, India will be facing Pakistan, as both of the teams are in the same group. The Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 is scheduled to take place between November 14 and 23 at West End International Cricket Stadium in Doha.

Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025: Group division

• Group A: India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman
• Group B: Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Hong Kong

More important informations to know:

• Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 Venues: Doha, Qatar.
• Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 Scheduled: From November 14 to 23, details are yet to be published.
• Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 live streaming in India: On television, watch Sony Sports Network in India, and for online streaming, watch the Sony LIV app and website. 

Read More: India announce 15-member squad for Test series against South Africa as Rishabh Pant returns

All teams of the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025

1. India A Squad: 

Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Nehal Wadhera, Naman Dhir (VC), Suryansh Shedge, Jitesh Sharma (C) (WK), Ramandeep Singh, Harsh Dubey, Ashutosh Sharma, Yash Thakur, Gurjapneet Singh, Vijay Kumar Vyshak, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Abhisek Porel (WK), and Suyash Sharma.

Stand-by: Gurnoor Singh Brar, Kumar Kushagra, Tanush Kotian, Sameer Rizvi, and Shaik Rasheed.

2. Pakistan A: 

Irfan Khan Niazi (C), Yasir Khan, Mohammad Naeem, Mohammad Faiq, Maaz Sadaqat, Ghazi Ghouri, Mohammad Shahzad, Saad Masood, Arafat Minhas, Mubasir Khan, Shahid Aziz, Sufiyan Muqeem, Ubaid Shah, Mohammad Salman, Ahmed Daniyal

3. Bangladesh A:

Akbar Ali (C), Mahidul Ankon (WK), Md. Shadin Islam, Md. Habibur Rahman, Tofael Ahmed Rayhan, Zawad Abrar, Yasir Ali, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Md. Abdul Gaffar, Jishan Alam, Meherob Hasan, Ariful Islam, Ripon Mondol, Rakibul Hasan, Abu Hidar Rony

4. Sri Lanka A:

Dunith Wellalage (C), Kavindu De Livera, Milan Rathnayaka, Vishen Halambage, Sahan Arachchige, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Nisan Madushka (WK), Ahan Wickramasinghe, Traveen Mathew, Lasith Croospulle, Pramod Madushan, Nuwanidu Fernando, Garuka Sanketh, Ramesh Mendis, Isitha Wijesundara

5. Afghanistan: 

Darwish Rasooli (C), Sediq Atal (VC), Zubaid Akbari, Noor Rahman (WK), Imran Mir, Rahmanullah Zadran, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Mohammad Ishaq (WK), Nangyal Kharoti, Farmanullah Safi, Qais Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Sediq Pacha, and Yama Arab.

India A have announced their squad for the upcoming Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to take place in Qatar from November 14 to 23. Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has been appointed as captain, while Naman Dhir will serve as his deputy.

Placed in Group B, India A will face UAE, Pakistan A, and Oman in the group stage. Their campaign begins against UAE on Friday, November 14, followed by clashes against Pakistan A (Nov 16) and Oman (Nov 18). The semifinals will be played on November 21, and the final is scheduled for November 23, all matches to be held at the West End International Cricket Stadium, Doha.

Interestingly, every player in the India A squad represents a different IPL franchise, offering a diverse mix of talent from across the league. Here’s a detailed team-by-team breakdown of the players named in the squad.

IPL Players in India A Squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025

ALSO SEE: WATCH: Dhanashree Verma's reaction on India’s Women’s World Cup 2025 triumph

Tournament Overview

• Host Nation: Qatar
• Venue: West End International Cricket Stadium, Doha
• Dates: November 14–23, 2025
• Group: India A, Pakistan A, UAE, Oman
• Captain: Jitesh Sharma (RCB)
• Vice-Captain: Naman Dhir (MI)

Notable Exclusions

No players from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) or Gujarat Titans (GT) were picked for the India A squad.

The selection reflects the emerging IPL talent pool that continues to fuel India’s bench strength. With Jitesh Sharma at the helm and a mix of youth and form, India A will aim for a strong showing at the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025.