Sameer Minhas is one of Pakistan’s most exciting young cricketers and a key player in the Pakistan Under‑19 cricket team. Born on December 2, 2006, in Multan, Pakistan, Minhas rose rapidly through Pakistan’s age‑group cricket system to become a standout top‑order batter on the international youth stage.
Early life and cricket beginnings
Minhas began his cricket journey in regional age‑group teams. He played for Multan Region Under‑13s, then Southern Punjab Under‑16s, and later Multan Under‑19s in Pakistan’s domestic youth competitions. His consistent performances earned him selection for Pakistan’s national Under‑19 team.
Cricket runs in his family. Sameer is the younger brother of Arafat Minhas, a left‑arm spin‑bowling all‑rounder who has represented the Pakistan senior men’s team in T20 internationals and featured in the Pakistan Super League with teams like Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans.
Breakthrough at the Under‑19 Asia Cup 2025
Sameer Minhas became a household name during the ACC Men’s Under‑19 Asia Cup 2025, held in Dubai. He led Pakistan with exceptional batting, finishing as the tournament’s top run‑scorer with 471 runs in five matches at an outstanding average of 157.00 and a strike rate above 117.
His first major breakthrough in the tournament came in a group‑stage match against Malaysia, where he scored 177 not out off 148 balls, hitting 11 fours and eight sixes. This knock set a new high for Pakistan in Youth ODIs and was one of the highest individual scores of the tournament.
Historic performance in the Asia Cup final
The defining moment of Minhas’s young career came in the Under‑19 Asia Cup final against India on December 21, 2025. Batting at the top of the order, he produced a breathtaking innings, scoring 172 runs off just 113 balls, including 17 fours and nine sixes. His century came off only 71 deliveries, and his aggressive yet controlled batting helped Pakistan post a massive 347 for 8. Pakistan then bowled out India for 156, winning by 191 runs — the country’s first outright Asia Cup U19 title. Minhas was Player of the Match in the final and Player of the Tournament overall.
His 172 in the final set multiple records:
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Highest individual score by a Pakistani in Youth ODIs
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One of the highest scores in Under‑19 ODIs overall
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Central to Pakistan’s dominant victory in a major youth final.
Playing style and skills
Sameer Minhas is a right‑handed opening batter known for powerful stroke play, clean hitting, and an ability to build long innings under pressure. He also bowls leg‑break and googly occasionally, adding a useful secondary skill to his game. His batting approach combines aggression with maturity, allowing him to dominate bowlers while pacing his innings well.
Personality and influences
In interviews during the 2025 Asia Cup, Minhas mentioned Babar Azam as his favourite Pakistani player, showing admiration for one of Pakistan’s most successful modern batsmen.
Future prospects
After his standout performances in the Asia Cup, Minhas is expected to be an important part of Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Under‑19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia (January–February 2026). His consistency and record‑breaking innings have marked him as one of Pakistan’s brightest young batting talents.
With his record performances and growing reputation, Sameer Minhas is emerging as a promising future star of Pakistan cricket.