Pakistan’s newest Under-19 batting sensation, Sameer Minhas, has revealed that his favorite cricketer is none other than former Pakistan captain Babar Azam.
The right-handed opener was the standout performer of the 2025 ACC U19 Asia Cup, headlined by a record-breaking 172 off 113 balls in the final against India at the ICC Academy in Dubai. His knock, the highest individual score in a Youth Asia Cup final, powered Pakistan to a 191-run win and their second title at this level.
Speaking after the match, Sameer said that Babar Azam is the player he admires most in the Pakistan team and the biggest influence on his own batting. The calm tempo at the start of his innings and the controlled acceleration later on echoed the style of the former captain he idolizes.
Babar Azam, currently in Australia for BBL 15, also took notice of the U19 side’s dominant campaign. He praised the players and credited team mentor and manager Sarfaraz Ahmed for guiding the youngsters, calling it a “stellar campaign” and urging them to “keep the hunger going” in a post on X.
Cricket runs deep in the Minhas household. Sameer’s father, Kashif Minhas, represented Pakistan at the U19 level, while his elder brother Arafat Minhas has already broken into the senior national side in T20 internationals. The family moved to Lahore to give the boys better access to facilities, backing both to push for long-term international careers.
Sameer’s 172 in the final was the peak of a prolific tournament. He had already hammered an unbeaten 177 against Malaysia in the group stage and added an unbeaten 69 later on, finishing the event with 471 runs at an average of 157 and a strike rate of 117.45. He walked away with both Player of the Match in the final and Player of the Series awards.
Next up for the Babar Azam fan from Lahore is the ICC Under-19 World Cup, where selectors and fans alike will be watching to see if Pakistan’s latest top-order hope can keep matching the standards of his favourite cricketer.
