Drumbeats, dance, cheers, as U19 Asia Cup champs return home after crushing India

• Pakistan U-19s return home after historic Asia Cup win over India.
• Young supporters sing patriotic songs, and celebrate despite cold.
• Children loudly cheer players as banners and hero anthems fill air.

ISLAMABAD: Riding high on a commanding 191-run thrashing of India in the Men’s ACC U19 Asia Cup final, Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team touched down in Islamabad on Monday, greeted by an exuberant and jubilant crowd.

Arrangements were made at Islamabad airport to welcome the newly crowned champions, with fans gathering outside the terminal, dancing to drumbeats and eagerly awaiting the team’s arrival after their emphatic title win in Dubai.

Fans showered rose petals on the young heroes as they emerged from the airport, draping rose garlands around their necks and cheering loudly for the team that had made history by smashing India to smithereens and bringing home a much-needed glory.

Groups of young fans were singing patriotic songs, chanting pro-team slogans, and exuding a glee akin to that of children in carefree frolic. 

Emotions were running high, with some older fans patting the players on the back, tears of joy in their eyes, as they prayed for Pakistan's victory in the U-19 Cricket World Cup.

Despite it being a cold December night, some very warm scenes were witnessed outside the airport, with fans waving flags, cheering loudly, and calling out the names of their favourite players. 

Children perched on their parents’ shoulders to catch a glimpse of the team, while supporters showered the heroes with rose petals and waved banners celebrating the historic win.

Pakistan sealed the U19 Asia Cup crown on Sunday after setting India a daunting 348-run target in the final at the ICC Academy. India were bowled out for 156 in 26.2 overs, undone by a relentless Pakistani bowling attack.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to meet the victorious squad later today, where the players who beat arch-rivals India will be formally congratulated and encouraged for their performance.

The triumph has sparked celebrations among fans, who hailed the young side for their composure, dominance and fearless display on the big stage.

The Men in Blue got off to a contrasting start to the pursuit as their batting sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, knitted a quickfire 32-run opening partnership with captain Ayush Mhatre, who could score two before falling victim to Ali Raza in the fourth over.

Mohammad Sayyam gave Pakistan another success and an over later by dismissing top-order batter Aaron George (16), who had scored a match-winning half-century against the Green Shirts in the group-stage clash last Sunday.

Meanwhile, renowned cricketers, politicians, and fans across the country also hailed Pakistan in the loudest of words for routing India by 191 runs to clinch the U19 Asia Cup title.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also joined the nation in celebrating this historic victory, praising the young players. 

He described their performance against arch-rivals India as "electrifying," calling it a landmark moment for the future of cricket in the country.

Shortly after Pakistan sealed the title in Dubai, PM Shehbaz Sharif took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his excitement with millions of fans across the nation:

"An electrifying performance by Team Pakistan. Shahbash. Heartiest congratulations to our Under-19 team on winning the ACC U-19 Asia Cup 2025, defeating India in the final. The nation is proud of you. My deep appreciation to Chairman PCB @MohsinnaqviC42 and his team for their dedicated efforts," he wrote.