Asia Cup U19 2025: Teen sensation Sameer Minhas lights up final with record-breaking ton

Pakistan’s young batting sensation Sameer Minhas etched his name into the record books on Sunday, December 21, during the U19 Asia Cup final against India at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. Minhas produced a breathtaking knock to register the highest individual score by a Pakistani batter in Youth ODIs, surpassing the previous record held by Shahzaib Khan. His innings not only defined the final but also stood out as one of the finest performances in the tournament’s history.

Minhas smashed a remarkable 172 runs off just 113 deliveries, striking 17 fours and nine sixes at an impressive strike rate of 152.21. This innings now stands as the eighth-highest individual score in Youth ODI history. The overall record is currently held by South Africa’s J van Schalkwyk, who scored 215 off 153 balls earlier this year. Minhas has been in sensational form throughout the competition and finished the U19 Asia Cup as the leading run-scorer, amassing 471 runs in five matches at a staggering average of 157.

In the final, India won the toss and elected to field first. Pakistan suffered an early setback with the loss of opener Hamza Zahoor, but Minhas steadied the innings alongside Usman Khan. The pair added 92 runs for the second wicket, during which Minhas raced to a half-century in just 29 balls. Pakistan brought up their team’s 100 inside 12.3 overs, underlining their aggressive intent.

Following Usman Khan’s dismissal, Minhas continued his onslaught and found solid support from Ahmed Hussain. The duo stitched together a dominant 137-run partnership for the third wicket, firmly placing Pakistan in control of the contest. Minhas reached his 150 in only 105 balls and went on to register the highest individual score ever in an Under-19 Asia Cup final, surpassing Sami Aslam’s 134 against India in Kuala Lumpur in 2012.

Pakistan eventually posted a formidable total of 347/8, with Ahmed Hussain contributing 56 runs. For India, Deepesh Devendran was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3/83 in his full quota of overs. Earlier in the tournament, India U-19 had defeated Pakistan U-19 by 90 runs in the group stage, powered by Aaron George’s half-century and impressive bowling performances from Devendran and Kanishk Chouhan.