Proper handed batter Sameer Minhas has been instrumental for Pakistan U19 through the lately concluded Asia Cup and tri-nation collection. Photograph: ICC/file
Sameer Minhas’ cricketing journey started not on established cricket grounds however on the tiled ground of his house. With water sprinkled on tiles to generate tempo and swing and taped tennis balls doubling up as match balls, Sameer and his elder brother Arafat Minhas spent numerous hours enjoying improvised video games.
That humble starting, Sameer says, was formed by his father – the primary and largest affect in his life.
A cricketer himself whose personal enjoying ambitions had been lower quick, he inspired each his sons to pursue the sport.
“My father noticed how a lot we loved cricket and requested us to attempt the leather-based ball,” Sameer recollects. “My brother began first after which I adopted. That second modified every thing.”
From road cricket to structured pathways, Sameer’s progress was regular as he went on to signify the Multan Area at U13 stage within the 2018-19 season earlier than captaining South Punjab U13, main his facet to the ultimate.
The precise-handed batter then represented Southern Punjab at U16 stage, that includes within the PCB Nationwide U16 One-Day Match 2020-21. “That’s the place I performed alongside my brother for the primary time,” Sameer says. Constant performances earned him choice within the PCB’s 100-player programme.
Transitioning into U19 cricket was not with out its challenges. His first season yielded modest returns, however in final yr’s Nationwide U19 Cup, Sameer amassed over 400 runs from seven outings, performances that finally earned him a Pakistan U19 cap.
“It has been an excellent journey,” Sameer displays. “I began from the grassroots and centered on methods and fundamentals. I loved each a part of it.”
The affect of his brother Arafat Minhas, who has represented Pakistan in 4 T20Is, stays central to Sameer’s motivation. Watching his brother prepare, compete and benefit from the sport strengthened his perception.
“Representing Pakistan just isn’t straightforward,” Sameer admits. “It takes plenty of laborious work and expectations are at all times excessive.”
These expectations intensified through the ACC Males’s U19 Asia Cup, the place Sameer rose to the event on the most important stage. His match-winning century within the ultimate helped Pakistan defeat arch-rivals India by 191 runs in Dubai.
Reflecting on his record-breaking hundred in Zimbabwe through the lately concluded tri-series, Sameer recalled, “I simply wished to contribute to the crew. I performed usually, went slowly at first and centered on discovering gaps. After half-century, I assumed if I speed up a bit, it may change into 100.
“After I noticed the PCB submit a couple of new document, it was an unimaginable feeling. Representing Pakistan and making a mark like that’s one thing particular.”
Past particular person milestones, Sameer constantly factors to crew unity as Pakistan U19’s largest energy.
Months of camps, coaching periods and shared experiences have solid a powerful bond inside the squad, an element he believes proved decisive in each the Asia Cup and tri-series success.
“Our bonding could be very robust,” he says. “That unity helped us win titles.”
As Pakistan U19 flip their focus to the ICC Males’s U19 World Cup, Sameer’s targets are clear.
“Our easy plan is to win the World Cup,” he states. “Personally, my first purpose is to win it for Pakistan. The second is to change into participant of the match.”
On his preparation for matches, the Multan batter revisits his personal highlights to bolster optimistic recollections. He attracts inspiration from former South Africa batter AB de Villiers, whom he admires for his fearless strategy.
Thanking followers for his or her continued help, Sameer urged them to maintain backing the crew, expressing confidence that Pakistan U19 will carry out strongly within the forthcoming mega occasion.
