Who is Sameer Minhas? Pakistan’s U19 Asia Cup Final Hero & Record Breaker

Who is Sameer Minhas? The Rise of Pakistan’s Record-Breaking Opener

Sameer Minhas is a 19-year-old right-handed opening batter from Multan, Pakistan, who has rapidly emerged as one of the most promising talents in youth cricket. Born on October 1, 2006, he belongs to a cricketing family; he is the younger brother of Arafat Minhas, an all-rounder who has already represented the Pakistan senior men’s side in T20Is.

Minhas made global headlines on December 21, 2025, by smashing 172 runs off 113 balls against India in the U19 Asia Cup final. This performance not only secured Pakistan’s first outright Asia Cup title since 2012 but also established Minhas as the record holder for the highest individual score in a U19 Asia Cup final and the highest Youth ODI score by a Pakistani batter.

Sameer Minhas: The Journey to Asia Cup Glory

Early Beginnings in Multan

Sameer’s journey began in the streets and local parks of Multan. Nurtured by a family of cricket enthusiasts, he moved through the ranks of the domestic circuit with remarkable speed. He represented Multan at various age groups, including U13 and U19 levels, and played for Southern Punjab U16s. His ability to build long innings and his aggressive strike rate at the top of the order quickly caught the eye of national selectors.

A Dominant U19 Asia Cup 2025 Campaign

While the final against India was his crowning achievement, Minhas was remarkably consistent throughout the tournament held in the UAE:

• The Debut Statement: He started the tournament with a staggering 177 against Malaysia*, signaling his intent early on.

• The Clinical Semifinal: He anchored Pakistan’s successful chase against Bangladesh with an unbeaten 69, ensuring their place in the final.

• The Historic Final: His 172 vs India featured 17 boundaries and 9 sixes, dismantling an undefeated Indian side.

Minhas finished the tournament as the Player of the Tournament, amassing 471 runs across five matches at an incredible average of 157.

Playing Style and Impact

Sameer is primarily a right-handed opening batter known for his “prodigious talent” and ability to accelerate through the middle overs. Beyond his batting, he provides a balanced skill set as a right-arm leg-break bowler (though some domestic records note off-break/left-arm orthodox variations). His aggressive yet mature approach has drawn comparisons to top-tier international openers, making him a “future prospect” for the senior national team.

Sameer Minhas: Career Statistics (U19 Asia Cup 2025)