Perhaps no Pakistan cricketer is generating more buzz right now than 19-year-old Under-19 opener Sameer Minhas. In just the past month, Minhas has become a household name across Pakistan, emerging as a shining hope for the national team at the ongoing U-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The lanky teenager is in scintillating form, having dominated the recent tri-series against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. Minhas scored two centuries, along with 56 and 48, finishing as the Player of the Tournament and the series’ highest run-scorer. This followed a remarkable performance at the Youth Asia Cup, where he produced the innings of his young career: a 113-ball 172 against India in the final, helping Pakistan secure a 191-run victory.
Minhas’ form has continued into the World Cup. In the first warm-up match against the USA, he was retired out on 74, a clear sign that his rich vein of form is ongoing. Speaking to the PCB website, Minhas made his ambition clear:
“We’re aiming to win the World Cup. Our practice has been excellent, and we’ve built a strong bond over the last five to six months. That unity was key during the Asia Cup, and it will serve us well here.”
Fearless, Yet Grounded
The teenager credits watching footage of his own games for building confidence, particularly in high-pressure moments.
“Against India, the plan was to play my natural game,” he said of his Asia Cup final century. “We were encouraged to play fearlessly but not carelessly. The start put India under pressure, and the rest flowed from there. I never thought about breaking records – I just wanted to contribute to the team.”
Minhas’ batting style is marked by positivity and controlled aggression. “The ball was coming nicely onto the bat, and I focused on playing through the gaps. Once I reached fifty, I started thinking about a hundred, but not about records.”
A Cricketing Family Legacy
The Minhas name is already familiar to Pakistani cricket fans. Sameer’s older brother, Arafat Minhas, is an international cricketer who debuted for Pakistan at 19 during the Asian Games in Hangzhou and has also appeared in a T20I in Zimbabwe.
“Watching my brother represent Pakistan was inspiring,” Sameer says. “He gives his all on the field, and I wanted to learn from him.”
Though Arafat is a slow left-arm bowler and Sameer a top-order batsman, their cricketing journey began together at home. The two practiced tape-ball cricket on wet tiles under the watchful eyes of their father, who later encouraged them to switch to a hard ball.
“We played street cricket, gully cricket, and at home. Starting at grassroots level taught me the basics and strengthened my technique, which is paying off now,” Minhas explains.
Eyes on the Future
Having progressed through Multan’s U-13 and South Punjab squads, Minhas steadily climbed the ranks, overcoming a slow start to shine at the U-16 and U-19 levels. His recent performances suggest he is now ready for the global stage.
In Pakistan, rising stars are often measured by their potential for the senior team, making a breakout World Cup performance potentially career-defining. Minhas, however, remains focused on the immediate goal.
“My personal goal at the World Cup is to be Player of the Tournament, as I was at the Asia Cup and Zimbabwe series. The team is balanced, with depth in batting and multiple bowling options. We’ve adapted well to conditions, and we are confident.”
With his technique, temperament, and fearless mindset, Sameer Minhas is poised to leave an indelible mark on Pakistan’s U-19 World Cup campaign – and perhaps take the first step toward a bright international career.
