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. 

Social media footage also showed a large number of fans posing with the cricket stars for selfies and pictures. 

The Pakistan U-19 team earlier also cut a cake to celebrate their achievement on the return flight from Dubai. 

“This team makes the nation proud and the future of Pakistan cricket shine bright,” PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi wrote on social media platform X on Sunday.