<p>Henil Patel does not hide his admiration for Dale Steyn. He studies his aggression and always tries to mirror the mindset. When the ball was new and the pitch still fresh, the influence showed in sharp bursts rather than words.</p>

<p>At Queens Sports Club, Patel hit hard and early. Three wickets fell before the USA batting could settle, and the scoreboard told one story. Figures of 5 for 16 followed, the Henil Patel five wicket haul standing among India&rsquo;s finest spells at this level. Only Kamal Passi and Anukul Roy have gone past it in tournament history. Not bad company for an 18-year-old starting his campaign.</p>

<h2>Numbers That Carry Weight</h2>

<p>Patel attacked the stumps, and the spell reduced USA to 34 for 4, and the contest slipped away before it could breathe. He kept his length honest and his pace lively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That approach has long been India&rsquo;s currency at the ICC Under-19 Men&#39;s Cricket World Cup, and Patel fitted right in.</p>

<h2>Eyes on Bangladesh</h2>

<p>India&rsquo;s chase brought a few raised eyebrows, with four wickets lost while hunting 108. Captain Ayush Mhatre admitted the job dragged longer than it should have.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Next up comes Bangladesh, again in Bulawayo, and the points table is already taking shape. Another sharp start could seal early control of the group. And with the India U19 World Cup rhythm building, Patel&rsquo;s opening burst has given India a weapon others will be watching closely.</p>

<p>For now, Henil Patel five wicket haul has done more than win a match. It has announced a bowler ready to set the tone from ball one.</p>

Henil Patel five wicket haul, inspired by Dale Steyn, crushes USA as India open their U19 World Cup campaign in Bulawayo with intent.

Steyn-inspired Henil Patel Five Wicket Haul Lifts India In U19 World Cup

<p>Pakistan Under-19 won the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 toss and chose to bowl first against England at Takashinga Sports Club. The call leaned on the surface, the morning conditions, and a head-to-head record that has consistently favoured Pakistan at this level.</p>

<p>The Pakistan U19 vs England U19 contest carries weight beyond the group stage. Across 32 Youth ODIs, Pakistan have claimed 21 wins, while England have managed 9, with two 2 drifting into no result. Those numbers were not lost on captain Farhan Yousaf, who preferred early movement with the new ball rather than scoreboard pressure later.</p>

<p>England, sent in, faced a Pakistan attack that has grown sharper through 2025. Titles at the ACC Men&rsquo;s Asia Cup Rising Stars, the U19 Asia Cup, and a tri-series trophy have hardened this unit. The bowlers have learned patience, not just pace, which explains the confidence behind the toss call.</p>

<h3>Both Teams Seek Early Control</h3>

<p>England Under-19 arrived needing a steadier start after a tough West Indies tour that ended 5&ndash;2 against them. Leadership now sits with Thomas Rew, who will want his top order to blunt the new ball and avoid feeding Pakistan early momentum. On this surface, timing matters more than power.</p>

<h3>Familiar Ground With Old Memories</h3>

<p>The last World Cup meeting between these sides came in 2016, when Pakistan chased 264 with ease. As the ICC <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/icc-men-s-under-19-world-cup-2026/260/1">U19 World Cup 2026</a> toss set the script, Pakistan once again leaned on discipline and depth. The Pakistan U19 vs England U19 storyline rarely stays quiet for long.</p>

<h2>Pakistan U19 vs England U19 Squads</h2>

<h3>Pakistan U19</h3>

<p>Farhan Yousaf (c), <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/sameer-minhas-sets-sights-on-icc-u19-world-cup/3051-5-0">Sameer Minhas</a>, Abdul Subhan, Usman Khan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza, Ali Hasan Baloch, Daniyal Ali Khan, Huzaifa Ahsan, Hamza Zahoor, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Shayan, Niqab Shafiq, Mohammad Sayyam, and Umar Zaib.</p>

<h3>England U19</h3>

<p>Thomas Rew (c), Ralphie Albert, Farhan Ahmed, Will Bennison, Caleb Falconer, Ben Dawkins, Ali Farooq, Alex Green, Luke Hands, Alex French, Manny Lumsden, James Minto, Ben Mayes, Joe Moores and Sebastian Morgan.</p>

Pakistan U19 win toss and bowl first against England at the ICC U19 World Cup 2026, leaning on a dominant Youth ODI record.

Pak vs Eng U19 World Cup Toss Update: Pakistan Decide to Bowl First

<p>Oliver Peake is confident that Australia will defend its title at the <strong>ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026</strong>. He is one of those batters who can win games for Australia single-handedly, and his recent performances in BBL15 certainly justify this claim.</p>

<p>Talking about the opportunity to lead Australia in <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/u19-cricket-world-cup-2026-complete-guide-schedule-teams-venues/3065-2-0">ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026</a>, Oliver Peake says that it is an honor for him, which showcases the trust of management in his skills and abilities. He added that it is certainly a bit different for him to cut short his BBL stint and join a U19 team environment, but he is still looking forward to it with great enthusiasm.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s a bit of an interesting situation, one that I&#39;ve never really been involved in before. It&#39;s definitely different, leaving a professional environment to come into the Under-19s. But to captain your country is a massive honour, and I&#39;m very grateful to get the opportunity. That&#39;s all I&#39;m focusing on at the moment.&quot; said Australian U19 captain, Oliver Peake.</p>

<p>Peake fully understands the challenge of playing on low and turning tracks of Zimbabwe in <strong>ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026</strong>. He says the conditions here are quite different from those in Australia, but the team is ready to take them on by backing their skills.</p>

<p>&quot;There&#39;s been a lot of learnings, but probably particularly with spin bowling over here on the slow wickets - trying to be a bit more precise when hitting to the sweepers. You have to play quite differently to how we go about it in Australia.&rdquo; said Oliver Peake.</p>

<p>Peake further added that he looks forward to leading the side with a calm head in the upcoming matches, as that will allow him to perform to the best of his abilities<strong>.</strong></p>

<p>&quot;I&#39;m super pumped to be able to do it. I think I&#39;ve learned quite a lot over my junior journey about mixing with different personalities. I&#39;m hoping to provide a calm head when things are starting to get stressful or anything like that. I&#39;m trying to be relaxed and allow the boys to play the way that they have throughout their whole junior careers.&quot; said Oliver Peake.</p>

Oliver Peake is confident to lead Australia strongly in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. He believes in captaining the team with a calm mindset to achieve positive results.

Peake Aims to Lead with Calm as Australia Defend ICC U19 Title

<p>West Indies started their <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/icc-men-s-under-19-world-cup-2026/260/1">U-19 World Cup 2026</a> on a positive note, defeating Tanzania in their first match. Rain washed out the Group C encounter between Zimbabwe and Scotland, resulting in no play.</p>

<h2>Tanzania Started Well Before Collapse</h2>

<p>After winning the toss, West Indies U-19 decided to bowl. The initial stages were slow, but the openers of Tanzania, Dylan Thakrar and Darpan Jobanputra, established a stable 53-partnership. This stand challenged the Caribbean bowlers, and the first wicket did not fall until the 14th over.</p>

<p>Medium pacer Jonathan Van Lange finally broke the stand that had stood for the opening stand. Shaquan Belle became the key figure as Tanzania&rsquo;s innings unraveled. He dismissed Thakrar, ran out Ayaan Shariff, and removed Augustino Mwamele in quick succession. Those strikes exposed Tanzania&rsquo;s middle order and triggered a steady fall of wickets.</p>

<p>Left-arm wristspinner Vitel Lawes then tightened the screws further, picking up three wickets as Tanzania lost momentum. The innings ended at 122 in the 34th over, a total that looked below par given the early platform they had built.</p>

<h2>Francis And Andrew Steady The Chase</h2>

<p>Tanzania struck early in the second innings when Mwamele removed West Indies opener Zachary Carter in the fourth over, briefly raising hopes of a fightback. However, those hopes faded as Tanez Francis and Jewel Andrew took control.</p>

<p>The two then contributed an 80-run partnership for the second wicket with calm and measured aggression that firmly placed West Indies on their path. Francis scored 52 and Andrew a level-headed 44 to the top. West Indies lost four wickets between the 17th and 20th over, but the low target ensured that there was no serious threat. They had 29 overs to spare, and they completed 124 for 5 and their first win in Group D.</p>

<h2>Rain Washes Out Harare Contest</h2>

<p>The match between Zimbabwe U-19 and Scotland U-19 at Takashinga Sports Club in Harare was called off due to rain, and both teams sharing a point each were awarded a draw. Zimbabwe now faces England on January 18, while Scotland meets Pakistan on January 19.</p>

West Indies U-19 defeat Tanzania by five wickets in the 2026 Men’s U-19 World Cup opener, while Zimbabwe U-19 and Scotland U-19 share points after rain halts play.

West Indies U-19 Beat Tanzania & Zimbabwe Vs Scotland Washed Out

<p>The International Cricket Council gave fans another shot on Wednesday, putting more <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-begins-phase-i-ticket-sales-for-mens-t20-world-cup-2026/2639-5-0">tickets</a> on sale for the Men&rsquo;s T20 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Officials kept prices within reach for everyone to afford. The aim is to draw newcomers while still rewarding loyal supporters who never miss a big tournament moment.</p>

<p>The governing body confirmed that pricing mirrors the December release and T20 World Cup ticket prices are on sale for a short window. Fans in India can enter venues for as little as INR 100, while Sri Lankan matches start at LKR 1000. The idea is simple. Fill the stands, keep the atmosphere loud, and let the tournament belong to the people.</p>

<h2>Ticket Sale Focused on Access</h2>

<p>According to the International Cricket Council, demand during the first phase highlighted a strong appetite across regions. This additional release targets supporters who missed out earlier, while also spreading access beyond premium fixtures.</p>

<p>The tournament stretches from February 7 to March 8, with India and Sri Lanka sharing hosting duties. 20 sides enter the fray, divided into four groups. The Super Eight stage follows, then the knockouts, and finally one final night that decides everything.</p>

<h2>Schedule Highlights and Key Venues</h2>

<p>Action kicks off with Pakistan taking on the Netherlands, while hosts India square off against the United States in Mumbai later that day. Group fixtures run until February 20, closing with Australia facing Oman in Kandy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The knockouts begin soon after, as semi-finals arrive on March 4 and 5. The final lands on March 8, scheduled for Ahmedabad or Colombo, depending on Pakistan&rsquo;s path.</p>

<p>With more seats now available and T20 World Cup ticket prices kept within reach, the countdown feels very real.&nbsp;</p>

Fresh ticket sales begin as T20 World Cup ticket prices stay affordable, allowing fans in India and Sri Lanka wider access to matches.

ICC Expands Access With More ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Tickets

<p>The event which showcases stars for the future is finally here, as fans are eagerly awaiting for the start of <strong>ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026</strong>. It is a tournament where young stars will get the opportunity to showcase their talent to the world. This will give us a glimpse of the stars who will dominate the international cricket circuit in the coming years.</p>

<p>If we look at the previous <strong>U19 Cricket World Cup champions list</strong>, we can find teams with many stars who are currently active in international cricket. From Babar Azam to Joe Root, all the players who are currently ruling the cricket world made their early mark in this exact tournament. This is the reason why everyone is looking forward to this tournament, as it will unearth many new superstars.</p>

<p>In this article, we will take a look at those young players who are expected to make a big impact in this tournament. With the <strong>U19 Cricket World Cup schedule</strong> already out, you can check all the match dates to know when these stars will be seen in live action. Let&rsquo;s take a look at their names below.</p>

<h2><strong>Sameer Minhas &ndash; Pakistan</strong></h2>

<p>The rising sensation of Pakistan cricket, Sameer Minhas, is all set to showcase his talent in the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/u19-cricket-world-cup-2026-complete-guide-schedule-teams-venues/3065-2-0">ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026</a>. He is a batter who has made a quick name in the international arena by delivering breathtaking performances in recent matches. His batting against India in the final of ACC Men&#39;s U19 Asia Cup 2025 caught everyone&rsquo;s attention, as it singlehandedly thrashed the archrivals in the first innings of the game.</p>

<p>Now, Sameer Minhas is geared up to perform at another big stage that will announce his arrival in a grand style. Since he is a top order batter, fans can expect plenty of big scores from him in this mega event.</p>

<h2><strong>Oliver Peake &ndash; Australia</strong></h2>

<p>Australia have found a gem in the form of Oliver Peake, as he is a batter who is expected to dominate the batting charts in the next decade of cricket. He is a swashbuckling batter who can take down bowlers ruthlessly. Due to this, he is being highly regarded in the Australian cricket circles as the next big thing.</p>

<p>Drawing inspiration from the previous <strong>U19 Cricket World Cup champions list</strong>, Oliver Peake wants to etch his name in the history books by winning this year&rsquo;s mega event. It would be therefore interesting to see how he will perform in the tournament, as cricket experts and fans would be closely watching his batting.</p>

<h2><strong>Rizan Hossan &ndash; Bangladesh</strong></h2>

<p>Rizan Hossan is a young bowling allrounder from Bangladesh who idolizes Ben Stokes in international cricket. He wants to become a complete player for his team, which is why he believes in performing with both bat and ball in matches. The recent performances of Rizan in Bangladesh&rsquo;s domestic cricket has been impressive, which is why fans are hopeful that he will also do well in the <strong>ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026</strong>.</p>

<p>Rizan is expected to bat in the middle order, so his runs would be vital for the Bangladesh team. In the bowling department, he can take the new ball, giving Bangladesh an option to pick quick wickets. This youngster is therefore a complete package, who can perform at different stages of the game.</p>

<h2><strong>Farhan Yousaf &ndash; Pakistan</strong></h2>

<p>The captain of the Pakistan U19 team, Farhan Yousaf, has entered the tournament with high hopes. After winning the ACC Men&#39;s U19 Asia Cup 2025, he has now set his sights on winning the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026. Farhan is a confident batter who understands how to dominate bowlers at different stages of the game. This is the quality that makes him a lead batter who can win crucial matches for Pakistan in this tournament.</p>

<p>Besides batting, Farhan&rsquo;s captaincy skills are also remarkable. He understands the game well and can make quick decisions in real time. Due to this, he led the Pakistan team to ACC Men&#39;s U19 Asia Cup glory, and now his eyes are on the trophy of <strong>ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026</strong>.</p>

<h2><strong>Farhan Ahmed &ndash; England</strong></h2>

<p>Farhan Ahmed is a young English bowler with high ambitions for this year&rsquo;s ICC U19 World Cup. While his elder brother, Rehan Ahmed, has already played for England, Farhan is working to earn similar recognition on the international stage. Keeping that in view, this year&rsquo;s U19 Cricket World Cup is hugely important for him. He is a bowler who can take wickets quickly to give England an edge in the match. That is why the team will rely on him to dismantle the batting lineups quickly, as he has the skills to outclass anyone.</p>

<p>At the age of just 16, Farhan Ahmed made his senior debut for Nottinghamshire club. This defines the fact that he is not a rookie, but a skillful talent who has emerged from the English county circuit with loads of cricket experience.</p>

<h2><strong>Jorich van Schalkwyk &ndash; South Africa</strong></h2>

<p>Jorich van Schalkwyk is a promising young talent who can score big runs in this year&rsquo;s marquee event. He is a specialist opening batter with sound technique and the patience needed to play long innings. These are the attributes that allowed him to become the first double centurion in men&rsquo;s Youth ODIs recently. This is a milestone that is not easy to achieve while being a teenager, so the talent of Jorich van Schalkwyk is certainly not ordinary.</p>

<p>Jorich van Schalkwyk will aim to become the Player of the Tournament in the ICC U19 World Cup, as he has all the skills to emerge as one of the best batters in the coming days. Fans are therefore excited to see him in action, as he carries a class that closely resembles Dewald Brevis and Quinton de Kock.</p>

<h2><strong>Aryan Mann &ndash; New Zealand</strong></h2>

<p>Aryan Mann is a wicketkeeper batter who can win matches for New Zealand singlehandedly in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026. He recently made a dream debut to first-class cricket with a pair of half-centuries. With a strong understanding of batting, Aryan knows how to dominate bowlers by playing positively. He is therefore a threat for different pacers in this tournament, as he can smash big boundaries at will.</p>

<p>Playing alongside Jeet Raval in the domestic circuit, Aryan Mann has also mastered the art of playing long innings. In this tournament, his performances will play a vital role for New Zealand, as the surfaces in Zimbabwe and Namibia will require his sensible batting.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Vaibhav Sooryavanshi &ndash; India</strong></h2>

<p>The rising batter from India, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, will be closely watched by many fans in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026. After showcasing his talent in the IPL, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will aim to make a mark in this year&rsquo;s mega event. Although he is an aggressive batter, the upcoming matches will require him to play with a different approach. He needs to keep in mind that the tournament is not happening in India, therefore he needs to utilize his brain to score big in the matches. This will ultimately test his skills on the biggest stage, and will give plenty of answers related to his talent.</p>

<p>The recent outings of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in international cricket were quite disappointing. He will now look to showcase his real talent to the world by performing strongly in this event. He is undoubtedly a gifted talent who will play a key role for India to move ahead in the tournament.</p>

<h2><strong>Faisal Shinozoda &ndash; Afghanistan</strong></h2>

<p>Hailing from Afghanistan, Faisal Shinozoda has big aims in this year&rsquo;s ICC U19 World Cup. He recently caught everyone&rsquo;s attention after scoring big runs in the ACC Men&#39;s U19 Asia Cup 2025. While Afghanistan could not give notable performances in that event, Faisal Shinozoda was their only shining star who impressed many people. The young boy will now look to carry that momentum into this event, as performing here will help him to get recognition on the global cricket stage.</p>

<p>The good thing about Faisal Shinozoda is that he is a versatile batter. Ideally, he likes to open the batting, but can also come in at number three to strengthen the middle order. This makes him a highly valuable player who can perform with different gears in the matches. Afghanistan will rely heavily on him to score big runs in the tournament, as his recent form in batting is also exceptional.</p>

<h2><strong>Final Words</strong></h2>

<p>The <strong>ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 </strong>promises to be a thrilling tournament where fans will see many new emerging stars. It is an event where every player will try to give his best, because it will give an opportunity to get recognition in the global cricket circuit. From Sameer Minhas to Jorich van Schalkwyk, the tournament will feature plenty of young stars carrying the hopes of their respective countries. It is therefore an exciting event where all matches will be highly competitive, showcasing the class and temperament of different players.</p>

There are various stars who need attention in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026. Read this blog to know about all the players who could make a big impact.

Future Cricket Stars to Watch in ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026

<p>The captain of Pakistan U19 team, Farhan Yousaf, is confident to produce positive results in the upcoming ICC Men&#39;s U19 World Cup 2026. He said that the team is ready to take on different opponents in the tournament, as they have full confidence in their abilities and skills.</p>

<p>Expectations from the young national team have risen, as their recent performances on the international stage have been outstanding. Their most notable triumph came in the ACC Men&#39;s U19 Asia Cup, where they crushed archrivals India in the final.</p>

<p>Speaking about the preparations, Farhan Yousaf said that the recent tri-series against Zimbabwe and the warm-up match against the USA have helped the team understand African conditions perfectly. He also praised the efforts of the support staff, saying that they have been working hard with the team for over six months now.</p>

<p>&quot;The U19 camp in Multan helped us perform well in the Asia Cup and the tri-series. The same support staff has been working with us for the last six months and it is now paying dividends ahead of the ICC event,&quot; said Pakistan U19 Captain, Farhan Yousaf.</p>

<p>He added that all players in the team share a strong bond, as they have been playing with each other for quite some time. Considering this, everyone in the squad is fully prepared to do well in the tournament, just like they did in the ACC Men&#39;s U19 Asia Cup.</p>

<p>&quot;We have prepared well for the mega event. The players share a strong bond as we have been together for the last six months. The tri-series and the warm-up match against USA helped us understand the conditions here and we are now all set to do well in the World Cup.&quot; said Farhan Yousaf while talking to PCB Digital on the eve of the U19 World Cup 2026.</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan Squad for ICC U19 World Cup</strong></h2>

<p>Farhan Yousaf (c), Usman Khan (vc), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas and Umar Zaib.</p>

<p><strong>Non-traveling reserves: </strong>Abdul Qadir, Farhanullah, Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar and Mohammad Huzaifa.</p>

Farhan Yousaf has said that Pakistan team is prepared to do well in the ICC U19 World Cup, as players have done plenty of training ahead of the tournament.

Pakistan Eye Strong U19 World Cup Showing, Says Farhan Yousaf

<p>The Pakistan Cricket Board has already announced the dates of the upcoming Pakistan vs Australia T20I series. All these three games will be hosted at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on 29 January, 31 January, and on 1 February. All the matches will be played in the evening.</p>

<p>The toss will take place at 5.30 pm PST, with the first ball scheduled for 6pm PST it will be the first ball. The T20I team of Australia is expected to arrive in Lahore on Wednesday, 28 January, leaving Australia with little time to prepare before the first game.</p>

<p>The series holds added significance as both teams will use it to prepare for the ICC Men&#39;s T20I World Cup 2026. Pakistan is in Group A and Australia is in Group B, respectively. The matches will help both sides refine combinations and strategies.</p>

<p>It will be Australia&#39;s third visit to Pakistan since March and April 2022, with the previous Test, ODI, and T20I matches in addition to three ICC Champions Trophy 2025 games held in the country. Australia, too, has had good experiences in the venue; they secured a three-wicket win in their lone T20I played in Gaddafi Stadium on 5 April 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Pakistan vs Australia T20I Schedule</strong></p>

<p>1st T20I: Thursday, 29 January, 6pm PKT<br />
2nd T20I: Saturday, 31 January, 6pm PKT<br />
3rd T20I: Sunday, 1 February, 6pm PKT</p>

PCB confirms dates and match timings for the Pakistan vs Australia three-match T20I series in Lahore ahead of the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2026.

Pakistan vs Australia T20I Series Schedule Announced by PCB

Get complete details about U19 Cricket World Cup 2026, including match schedule, team squads, fixtures, and venue information.

U19 Cricket World Cup 2026: Schedule, Teams, Fixtures & Venues Guide

<p>Pakistan&rsquo;s young rising batter, <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/pakistan-vs-bangladesh-u19-asia-cup-semi-final-match-report/2735-5-0">Sameer Minhas</a>, has set a clear goal for himself in the upcoming U19 World Cup. His recent performances in the international arena have been very impressive, which is why fans are expecting more from him in this mega event. Being a top batter, he also acknowledges his role in the team, which is why he has set his sights on multiple trophies in the tournament.</p>

<p>The primary objective for Sameer and his team is to win the ICC U19 World Cup, which starts on January 15 in Zimbabwe and Namibia. To achieve this goal, he is currently practicing hard with complete focus and clarity of mind.</p>

<p>&quot;We&#39;re aiming to win the World Cup. Our practice is going well, and we have clarity in our mind about this. We&#39;ve set up camps for the last five or six months, the same guys. Our unity and bonding is great, which put us in good stead during the Asia Cup,&quot; said Sameer Minhas.</p>

<p>Sameer Minhas got the limelight in the cricket world when he played a scintillating knock against India in U19 Asia Cup <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/pakistan-u19-thrash-india-to-win-asia-cup-title/2749-5-0">final</a>. Detailing his approach for that particular game, he said the goal was to play his natural game in the match without worrying about the results.</p>

<p>&quot;Against India, the plan was to play my natural game. We were encouraged to play fearless but not careless cricket. We started with a couple of boundaries from Hamza, and the great start put the opposition under pressure,&rdquo; said Sameer Minhas.</p>

<p>After winning against India in the U19 Asia Cup final, Pakistan team received a warm welcome when they arrived home. Sameer and his team were surprised to see such a huge reception, as people gathered at the airport in huge numbers to welcome the rising heroes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;We didn&#39;t imagine our welcome back home would be so grand, but we were very happy people came to meet and congratulate us. We won our first Asia Cup U-19 title. It was great fun, and we really enjoyed it,&rdquo; said Sameer Minhas.</p>

<p>Playing in his first U19 mega event, Sameer Minhas hadn&rsquo;t planned to break so many records. He just wanted to contribute for his team, so that they can win the title. Fortunately, his performances made the victory even sweeter, giving him the confidence that he belongs at this level.</p>

<p>&quot;The celebrations didn&#39;t stop for a couple of days, both at the ground and at the hotel. I never thought about breaking records; I just wanted to contribute to the team. The ball was coming onto the bat, and I was being positive without making any rash decisions,&rdquo; said Sameer Minhas.</p>

<p>&ldquo;My shots were going through the gaps. I got to fifty pretty quickly, and then I began thinking about a hundred, but I wasn&#39;t thinking about breaking records,&quot; added Sameer Minhas.</p>

<h2><strong>Taking Inspiration from Elder Brother</strong></h2>

<p>The brother of Sameer, Arafat Minhas, has already played for Pakistan men&rsquo;s team. Considering his performances, Sameer got the inspiration that he will also do well at the international stage by backing his skills.</p>

<p>&quot;My brother Arafat has represented Pakistan, and watching that was inspiring. He enjoys himself and gives his all in the field, and I was keen to learn from him,&quot; said Sameer Minhas.</p>

<p>Describing his early days of playing cricket, Sameer Minhas said that he used to play gully cricket with his brother when they were quite young. He added that his father backed him to play hardball cricket after watching his passion in home and gully cricket.</p>

<p>&quot;We used to play at home, street, and gully cricket. My brother and I would water tiles and play tape-ball cricket in our home. When dad saw we enjoyed our cricket, he encouraged us to play with a hard ball. My brother began playing with it, and then, I did,&rdquo; said Sameer Minhas.</p>

<p>He then spoke about his personal goals in the upcoming ICC U19 World Cup, saying that he wants to become the Player of the Tournament, similar to how he got the accolade in Asia Cup and the Zimbabwe series.</p>

<p>&quot;The personal goal I have at the World Cup is to be Player of the Tournament, like I was at the Asia Cup and the Zimbabwe series. We&#39;ve adapted to conditions here well. The team is very balanced, we bat deep, and we&#39;ve got many bowling options. We are confident,&rdquo; concluded Sameer Minhas.</p>

Sameer Minhas has set sights on winning multiple trophies in the upcoming ICC U19 World Cup. He is confident to perform strongly, just like he did in the U19 Asia Cup.

Sameer Minhas Eyes Multiple Trophies at U19 World Cup

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Watch ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup 2026 live on Tapmad

ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup 2026

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