Pakistan’s youth cricket system produced another headline moment as Sameer Minhas smashed the fastest century in Under-19 one-day international history, breaking a long-standing global record and powering Pakistan to the U19 Tri-Series title.
Minhas reached his hundred in just 42 balls, surpassing the previous record of 52 balls held by India’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The record had stood as the benchmark for youth ODI cricket until Minhas rewrote history with a fearless and controlled innings. The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the milestone after Pakistan’s emphatic win in the final.
Chasing a modest target in the tournament decider, Pakistan never looked under pressure once Minhas took charge. He went on to score 114 runs off 51 deliveries, striking 17 fours and five sixes. His timing, power, and shot selection dismantled the opposition attack and drew applause from spectators and analysts alike.
Minhas shared a commanding opening stand with Mohammad Shayan, allowing Pakistan to cruise to victory with overs to spare. Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers had laid the groundwork by restricting the opposition to a manageable total, keeping the final firmly in their control.
The significance of the knock goes beyond speed alone. Breaking Suryavanshi’s record places Minhas at the top of youth cricket’s elite list and signals Pakistan’s growing strength at junior levels. Coaches praised his composure, noting that his shot-making showed maturity rarely seen at this age.
The innings also capped a highly successful tournament for Pakistan U19, who lifted the tri-series trophy through consistent performances across matches. Minhas emerged as the standout batter of the competition and has now firmly positioned himself as one of the brightest prospects in Pakistan’s cricket pipeline.
Reaction on social media was instant. Clips of the record-breaking hundred circulated widely, with former players and fans calling it one of the most destructive innings in U19 cricket history. Many highlighted how the record wasn’t merely edged past. It was shattered by a full ten balls.
With the ICC U19 World Cup approaching, Sameer Minhas’s record-breaking knock has sent a clear message. Pakistan’s next batting star may already have arrived.
