Quick Read
- Sameer Minhas scored 172 runs off 113 balls in the U19 Asia Cup final against India.
- He is the first player to score over 450 runs at an average above 150 in a single U19 Asia Cup edition.
- Minhas finished the tournament as top scorer with 471 runs, breaking multiple records.
Sameer Minhas: The Young Star Who Redefined the U19 Asia Cup Final
- Pakistan’s Sameer Minhas scored a record-breaking 172 in the U19 Asia Cup final against India.
- Minhas became the first player to score over 450 runs at an average above 150 in a single edition.
- His performance helped Pakistan post a daunting 347/8, the highest-ever total in a U19 Asia Cup final.
On December 21, 2025, at Dubai’s ICC Academy Ground, cricket fans witnessed a performance for the ages. Sameer Minhas, Pakistan’s precocious opener, didn’t just bat; he orchestrated a symphony of runs, smashing a blistering 172 off 113 balls against India in the Under-19 Asia Cup final. With 17 boundaries and nine towering sixes, Minhas rewrote the record books and brought global attention to his extraordinary talent. The Hindu called it a ‘brilliant century’—but that hardly captures the scale of his achievement.
Unmatched Consistency: Dominating the Tournament
Minhas’ final heroics were no flash in the pan. Throughout the tournament, he demonstrated a rare blend of aggression and composure. He began with an unbeaten 177 against Malaysia, continued with a solid 44 against UAE, and anchored Pakistan’s chase with an undefeated 69 in the semifinal versus Bangladesh. By the end of the tournament, his tally stood at a staggering 471 runs from five matches, averaging 157 and striking at 117.45. No other batter in the history of the U19 Asia Cup had crossed 450 runs in a single edition—Minhas was the first. According to Times Now, he also broke Sami Aslam’s previous record of 461 runs set in 2012.
His ability to adapt to different match situations—whether setting the pace or stabilizing a chase—showcased a cricketing maturity beyond his years. When Pakistan needed a statement in the final after losing to India in the group stage, Minhas delivered with authority, carrying his team’s hopes on his shoulders.
Breaking Barriers: A Knock for the Record Books
Minhas’ century in the final wasn’t just quick; it was historic. He reached his hundred off just 71 balls, launching Ayush Mhatre for a majestic six and then dispatching Deepesh Devendran for four to bring up his milestone. His knock surpassed Sami Aslam’s 134—the previous highest score in a U19 Asia Cup final—and left the Indian bowlers searching for answers.
Pakistan’s total of 347/8 set a new benchmark for U19 Asia Cup finals. Minhas’ dismissal—caught at mid-on off a slower ball—came only after he had already powered his side past the 300 mark. Alongside contributions from Usman Khan (35) and Ahmed Hussain (56*), Minhas’ innings made India’s formidable bowling attack look ordinary. Outlook India highlighted that, until this match, the Indian bowlers hadn’t conceded over 200 runs in the tournament. Minhas changed that narrative decisively.
The Minhas Legacy: Family, Technique, and Future Prospects
Cricketing excellence runs in the Minhas family. Sameer’s older brother, Arafat Minhas, is already a Pakistan T20 international, having debuted at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023 and represented his country in the 2024 World Cup. The younger Minhas, born and raised in Multan, has made his own mark as a top-order batter who can also bowl part-time leg-spin—a versatility that bodes well for his future.
Beyond the stats, what stands out is Minhas’ approach at the crease. He was ruthless against the new ball, especially targeting Kishan Singh and Deepesh Devendran. His footwork against spinners, notably his high six off Mhatre, revealed a player unafraid to innovate and dictate terms. In a tournament where pressure mounted with every match, Minhas’ calm was contagious.
India’s Response and Pakistan’s Triumph
India, eight-time champions since 1989, were favorites coming into the final. But misfields and dropped catches compounded their woes, as reported by Times Now. Pakistan, having previously shared the trophy with India in 2012, now stood poised for a solo claim to glory, thanks in no small part to Minhas’ exploits.
The final’s playing XIs included rising stars on both sides, but the day belonged to Sameer Minhas. His performance not only lifted Pakistan to a historic total but also inspired countless young cricketers dreaming of making their mark on the big stage.
With 471 runs at an average of 157, Minhas didn’t just break records—he set new standards for what’s possible in youth cricket. The cricketing world will be watching closely as he transitions to senior levels, with many already predicting a bright future for the Multan prodigy.
Minhas’ record-shattering run at the U19 Asia Cup is a reminder that cricket’s next generation is not just inheriting the game—they’re revolutionizing it. His blend of technical prowess, composure under pressure, and relentless hunger for runs marks him as one of the brightest prospects in world cricket, and his legacy from Dubai will echo for years to come.