Tag: Sameer Minhas

LAHORE: A sensational unbeaten partnership between Sameer Minhas and captain Shadab Khan powered Islamabad United to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Chasing a challenging 184-run target, United made light work of the total, reaching the finish line in the 19th over with eight wickets in hand, courtesy of a dominant batting display led by their in-form duo.

The innings began on a positive note as Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas put together a brisk 44-run opening stand, with the latter taking the aggressive route.

However, Abrar Ahmed struck twice in quick succession to remove Conway (18) and Andries Gous (2), leaving United at 61-2 inside seven overs.

From there on, it was all about Minhas and Shadab, who combined to produce a match-winning, unbeaten 128-run partnership. The pair blended composure with calculated aggression, ensuring there were no further hiccups in the chase.

Minhas led the charge with a superb 82 not out off 48 deliveries, striking eight fours and three sixes, while Shadab complemented him with an equally impressive unbeaten 69 off 39 balls, decorated with five fours and four sixes.

Earlier, Quetta Gladiators posted a competitive 183-5 after opting to bat first, thanks to strong contributions from both their top and middle order.

Openers Shamyl Hussain and skipper Saud Shakeel provided a solid platform with a 50-run stand before Salman Irshad dismissed Hussain for 21.

Shadab then made an impact with the ball, removing Shakeel for a brisk 42, followed by quick strikes that left the Gladiators reeling at 93-5. Imad Wasim also chipped in with a crucial wicket during the middle overs.

A late recovery was orchestrated by Hassan Nawaz and Tom Curran, who stitched together an unbeaten 90-run partnership. Nawaz remained not out on a fluent 64 off 35 balls, while Curran added a steady 29 to push the total to 183-5.

READ: Saad Baig lauds David Warner’s leadership at Karachi Kings

The historic Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 is set to begin on March 26, with several uncapped players to keep an eye on who may turn out to be game changers. 

5. Farhan Yousaf

Farhan Yousaf, who captained Pakistan in the U19 World Cup, remained unpicked in the PSL 11 auction. He finished with 132 runs in five matches at an average of 66.

But later, Peshawar Zalmi roped him in through a direct signing.

He managed 143 runs in the National T20 Cup from four matches at a strike rate of 143 with a highest score of 61*.

4. Shahzaib Khan

Remember the name, Shahzaib Khan? The left-hander came to the limelight during the Pakistan U19 World Cup campaign in 2024, where he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer for the national team.

However, since then, he has been scoring runs freely in Pakistan domestic cricket, awaiting a call to the national side.

Picked by RawalPINDIZ for a base price of PKR 60 lacs, Shahzaib Khan was in good form during the recently concluded National T20 Cup. He amassed 160 runs in five matches at an average of 40 at a strike rate of 158, including two half-centuries.

3. Abdullah Fazal

The 23-year-old Abdullah Fazal is another player to look out for in the tournament. His elegant stroke play caught the eye of RawalPINDIZ at the auction, and he was bought for PKR 67.5 lakh in the auction.

The left-handed batter has been consistent in domestic cricket, particularly in the National T20 Cups, amassing 420 runs in eight matches, with a strike rate of 160. The left-hander has already earned the player of the match award in the team’s important outings.

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In the recently concluded National T20 Cup, he played a blinder, scoring 88 from 41 balls in the semi-final against Sialkot.

Earlier, he also played a crucial knock in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final, scoring 88 and 114, which helped Karachi Blues lift the trophy.

2. Saqib Khan

Hailing from Karachi, fast bowling all-rounder Saqib Khan has dedicated many years to cricket. He was bought by Quetta Gladiators for a base price of PKR 60 lakh in the auction.

His perseverance finally paid off in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26, where he finished as the second-highest wicket taker. Saqib took 47 wickets in nine matches for Karachi Blues, averaging 20.59, thereby playing a pivotal role in the team’s title glory.

Although he is 30, his seam and new ball bowling could trouble batters. Besides his bowling, Saqib could also come in handy with the bat, lower down the order.

1. Sameer Minhas

Sameer Minhas is tipped as the next big thing in Pakistan cricket. The right-hander was a hot pick in the PSL 11 auction and was eventually bought by Islamabad United for PKR 1.9 crore.

Sameer has already showcased his potential in the recently concluded ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, emerging as Pakistan’s leading run scorer.

He scored 197 runs in five games at an impressive strike rate of 105. Before heading to the U19 World Cup, Sameer blasted a record-breaking innings in the Asia Cup final against India.

The 19-year-old took only 42 balls to slam a ton, breaking India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s record (52 balls) of the fastest youth hundred. Sameer Minhas blistering 172 from 113 took Pakistan to an imposing 347-run total against arch-rivals.

The total was enough to seal a memorable 191-run victory for the Green Shirts.

READ: PSL 11 squads locked in as trade window closes

LAHORE: Emerging top-order batter Sameer Minhas has asserted that he is ready to play at any number for Islamabad United during the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11.

The 19-year-old, regarded as one of the most exciting young prospects in the country, was picked by Islamabad United for PKR 1.9 crore at the PSL’s first-ever players’ auction.

He was the standout performer in the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025, playing a central role in Pakistan’s historic run to their maiden title.

During his brilliant campaign, he scored two centuries, including a 113-ball 172 against India in the final.

Earlier this year, he further underlined his credentials by scoring a 42-ball century in the U19 tri-series final against Zimbabwe, setting a new record for the fastest hundred in youth ODIs.

Now gearing up for his maiden PSL stint, Minhas believes the league offers a vital platform to break into the national side.

“PSL provides a great opportunity. If you perform here, you can make your way into the national team,” he said while speaking to the media in Lahore.

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“You get to play alongside domestic and foreign players, and you learn a lot from them. I am looking forward to learning from players like Devon Conway and Mark Chapman.”

Despite the expectations that come with his recent performances, Minhas insisted he feels no added pressure and remains focused on playing his natural game.

“There is no extra pressure on me; Allah has given me a lot of respect, and I will continue to play my natural game the way I always play,” he said.

Sameer Minhas also praised Islamabad United’s management for fostering a supportive environment for young players, reiterating his willingness to adapt to the team’s needs.

“Islamabad United is a very good franchise. They know I usually bat in the top order, and if I get that opportunity, I’ll do well there. But wherever the team needs me, I will give my 100 percent,” he said.

Islamabad United squad for PSL 11

Shadab Khan (c), Salman Irshad, Andries Gous, Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mehran Mumtaz, Max Bryant, Mark Chapman, Nisar Ahmed, Mir Hamza Sajjad, Sameen Gul, Sameer Minhas, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Dipendra Singh Airee, Mohammad Faiq and Mohammad Salman Mirza.

READ: Peshawar Zalmi rope in Brian Bennett for PSL 11

BULAWAYO: Sameer Minhas red-hot form continued as he struck 74* off 55 balls to propel Pakistan to a victory over USA in the U19 World Cup warm-up fixture here at the Bulawayo Athletic Club on Tuesday.

Set 295, USA were bowled out for 225 in 43.5 overs, thanks to an all-round bowling effort from Pakistan bowlers.

Amrinder Gill and Sahil Garg started positively in pursuit of the target, adding 45 in 7.4 overs before the latter was caught behind. Gill scored 18 with the help of three fours.

Garg held firm at one end with the USA’s second wicket falling on the fourth ball of the 13th over.

Arjun Mahesh could only add seven to the total.

With USA 61-2 in 13.4 overs, Sahil Garg and skipper Utkarsh Srivastava put chase back on the track with a promising 66-run stand.

The pair brought the total to 127 in 26 overs before Pakistani bowlers chipped in with regular strikes and got a foothold on the game.

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Ahmed Hussain cleaned up Srivastava (36), whereas Niqabl Shafiq trapped Adnit Jhamb lbw for one in back-to-back overs to reduce USA to 134-4 in 26.5 overs.

The big wicket of Garg came in the 29th over, with Pakistan on the cusp of victory. He top-scored with 75 from 83 balls with the help of nine fours and a six.

Following his dismissal, USA innings quickly unraveled and were eventually bowled out.

For Pakistan, Abdul Subhan, Momin Qamar, and Ahmed Hussain picked up two wickets.

Earlier, put into bat first, Pakistan racked up 294-8 at the end of their 50 overs.

The highlight of Pakistan’s innings was Sameer Minhas’ batting, who continued his sizzling form.

The right-hander top-scored with 74 from 55 balls, laced with eight fours and four sixes.

He remained the lynchpin of the batting order, adding a 105-run partnership with Mohammad Shayan (23).

Minhas eventually retired with Ahmed Hussain and Huzaifa Ahsan scoring crucial runs.

Both batters scored 36 and 38 runs respectively, powering Pakistan to a strong total.

For USA, Utkarsh Srivastava remained the pick of the bowlers as he picked up three wickets.

Pakistan will commence its U19 World Cup campaign against England on 16 Jan, Friday in Harare.

READ: Australia suffer injury scare ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

HARARE: Pakistan’s rising star Sameer Minhas etched his name in history on Tuesday, smashing the record fastest century in Youth ODIs during the U19 tri-series final against Zimbabwe at Old Hararians.

The 19-year-old opener reached the milestone in just 42 balls, breaking India’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s previous record of 52 balls set last year against England.

Minhas, who had also scored a 56-ball hundred against the UAE in last December’s ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup, went on to finish unbeaten on 114 off just 51 deliveries, hitting 17 fours and five sixes.

His blazing innings powered Pakistan to a comfortable seven-wicket victory while chasing Zimbabwe’s modest total of 159, securing the tri-series with 202 balls to spare.

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Earlier, Zimbabwe, put in to bat by Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf, managed 158 in 44.4 overs.

Michael Blignaut’s patient half-century could not prevent Umar Zaib-led Pakistan’s attack from running through the Chevrons’ line-up.

Zaib was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four wickets for 20 runs in seven overs, while Abdul Subhan took two. Mohammad Sayyam, Ahmed Hussain, and Daniyal Ali Khan contributed one wicket each.

Fastest centuries in U19 ODIs

• Sameer Minhas (Pakistan) – 42 balls vs Zimbabwe, 2026
• Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India) – 52 balls vs England, 2025
• Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India) – 56 balls vs UAE, 2025
• Qasim Akram (Pakistan) – 63 balls vs Sri Lanka, 2022
• Jayden Draper (Australia) – 65 balls vs India, 2025

READ: Mustafizur Rahman registers for PSL 11 after IPL snub

DUBAI: Pakistan opener Sameer Minhas broke multiple records with a masterclass innings in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup final against India here at the ICC Academy on Sunday.

The right-handed batter scored a monumental 172 from just 114, laced with 17 fours and nine maximums, which helped Pakistan beat India by a hefty 191 runs margin.

With the help of his knock, Pakistan posted a daunting 347-8 in their allotted 50 overs, which was later backed by a clinical bowling effort, bundling out India for 156 runs.

With his 172, Sameer etched his name into the history books as he recorded the highest score in Youth ODIs for Pakistan, surpassing Shahzaib Khan’s 159, which also came against India in 2024.

Highest Individual Score for Pakistan in Youth ODIs

Sameer Minhas – 172 vs India U19, 2025

Shahzaib Khan – 159 vs India U19, 2024

Shamyl Hussain – 150 vs Sri Lanka U19, 2023

Abdul Razzaq – 142 vs Australia U19, 1997

Moreover, he also surpassed Sami Aslam’s long-standing record for amassing the most runs in the Asia Cup U19’s.

Most runs in U19 Asia Cup Single edition

Sameer Minhas (Pakistan) – 471 runs in five innings at 157
Sami Aslam (Pakistan) – 461 runs in five innings at 115.25
Sami Aslam (Pakistan) – 379 runs in five innings at 75.80
Ashiqur Rahman (Bangladesh) – 378 runs in five innings at 126
Unmukt Chand (India) – 370 runs in five innings at 74

Earlier, he also scored 178 against Malaysia U19 in the tournament; however, it was not listed as a record score because Malaysia’s Test status.

For his stellar performance in the final and throughout the tournament, he earned the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards, respectively.

READ: Minhas, Raza star as Pakistan crush India to win U19 Asia Cup

DUBAI: Pakistan emerging batter Sameer Minhas broke multiple records with a monumental knock against Malaysia in the second fixture of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 here at The Sevens Stadium on Friday.

Minhas, playing his first Youth ODI game, hit an unbeaten 177 off 148 balls peppered with 19 boundaries and eight maximums.

Pakistan’s innings began on a shaky note as Usman Khan departed cheaply for a single, trapped by Nagineswaran Sathnakumaran in the second over with just four runs on the board.

Ali Hassan Baloch tried to steady the innings before being dismissed for 14.

At 30-2 in the 10th over, Sameer was joined by Ahmed, and they compiled a 293-run stand at a brisk pace.

Sameer Minhas forged a mammoth stand with Ahmed Hussain, which completely turned the game in Pakistan’s favour.

The duo compiled a 293-run stand at a brisk pace, which helped Pakistan reach a daunting 345-run total in 50 overs.

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Ahmed Hussain scored a lively 132 off 144 balls, featuring eight boundaries and two sixes, before being dismissed hit-wicket off Muhammad Akram in the penultimate over.

With his epic knock, Sameer not only became Pakistan’s highest scorer in Youth ODIs but also set the record for the highest score in the U19 Asia Cup.

Highest individual score by a Pakistani batter in YODIs

Sameer Minhas – 177 not out against Malaysia in 2025
Shahzaib Khan – 159 against India in 2024
Shamyl Hussain – 150 against Sri Lanka in 2023
Abdul Razzaq – 142 against Australia in 1997
Shahid Yousuf – 136 not out against Sri Lanka in 2003

In reply,  Malaysia’s U19 side capitulated for just 48 in 19.4 overs.

Ali Raza and Mohammad Sayyam shared three wickets apiece, Daniyal Ali Khan claimed two, and Niqab Shafiq chipped in with one.

None of the Malaysian batters managed to reach double figures, with captain Patro and Akram top-scoring with nine runs each.

READ: Warner names Usman Khawaja’s replacement in Test side

DUBAI: Pakistan batters Sameer Minhas and Ahmed Hussain put on a masterclass to hammer Malaysia by a massive 297 runs in the second match of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 at The Sevens Stadium on Friday.

After Malaysia captain Deeaz Patro elected to field first, Pakistan’s top and middle order took full advantage, posting a commanding 345-3 in their 50 overs.

The innings was anchored by a sensational third-wicket partnership between Sameer Minhas and Ahmed Hussain, which completely turned the game in Pakistan’s favour.

Pakistan’s innings began on a shaky note as Usman Khan departed cheaply for a single, trapped by Nagineswaran Sathnakumaran in the second over with just four runs on the board.

Ali Hassan Baloch tried to steady the innings before being dismissed for 14.

At 30-2 in the 10th over, Sameer was joined by Ahmed, and they compiled a 293-run stand at a brisk pace.

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Ahmed Hussain scored a lively 132 off 144 balls, featuring eight boundaries and two sixes, before being dismissed hit-wicket off Muhammad Akram in the penultimate over.

Sameer Minhas stole the show with an unbeaten 177 from 148 deliveries, laced with 11 fours and eight sixes.

Malaysia’s bowling attack struggled to contain the onslaught. Sathnakumaran took two wickets but was expensive, conceding 91 runs in his full quota of 10 overs, while Akram returned with figures of 1-64.

Chasing an imposing target, Malaysia’s U19 side capitulated for just 48 in 19.4 overs.

Ali Raza and Mohammad Sayyam shared three wickets apiece, Daniyal Ali Khan claimed two, and Niqab Shafiq chipped in with one.

None of the Malaysian batters managed to reach double figures, with captain Patro and Akram top-scoring with nine runs each.

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