Sameer Minhas reveals his cricketing idol

Pakistan’s emerging middle-order batter Sameer Minhas has revealed that national team star Babar Azam is his favourite cricketer, following a record-breaking campaign in the recently concluded ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025.

Speaking in an interview with a local news platform, the 19-year-old was asked to name the Pakistani player he admires the most. Minhas responded without hesitation, stating that Babar Azam remains his top inspiration within the national side.

Minhas was the standout performer of the tournament, playing a central role in Pakistan’s historic run to their maiden U19 Asia Cup title in the competition’s 35-year history.

The right-handed batter finished as the leading run-scorer, piling up 471 runs in just five matches at a staggering average of 157.00 and a strike rate of 117.45.

His tally included two centuries and a half-century, underlining his dominance throughout the event.

His most prolific outing came against Malaysia U19, where he produced a commanding unbeaten 177, setting the tone for Pakistan’s campaign.

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The teenager saved his best for the final against arch-rivals India, delivering a match-defining knock under pressure.

Minhas struck a superb 172 off 113 deliveries, peppering the boundary with 17 fours and nine sixes, as Pakistan posted an imposing total of 347 for eight after being put in to bat.

Ahmed Hussain provided valuable support in the middle order with a composed 56 off 72 balls.

India’s response never gathered momentum, as Pakistan’s bowlers ran riot to bowl them out for 156 in 26.2 overs, sealing a thumping 191-run victory.

Fast bowler Ali Raza led the charge with an impressive spell of 4 for 42, while Ahmed Hussain and Huzaifa Ahsan claimed two wickets apiece to complete a memorable triumph for the boys in green.

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