Tension between young stars from India and Pakistan has added fresh spice to the ongoing rivalry. In a latest attempt amidst the ongoing ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, Pakistan Under-19 opener Sameer Minhas took a sharp dig at India’s aggressive batting style, as he indirectly dragged the star opener Abhishek Sharma into the debate.
Sameer Minhas has already built a reputation as a big-match performer. A few months ago, the 19-year-old batting sensation stunned Indian fans by smashing a record-breaking 172 off 113 balls against India in the Under-19 Asia Cup 2025. His knock powered Pakistan to a famous title win, as well as announced him as one of Pakistan’s brightest young talents.
Sameer Minhas takes a subtle dig at Abhishek Sharma
Even though India and Pakistan are not in the same group at the ongoing ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, the possibility of a knockout clash between the arch-rivals is very real. Well, Minhas has already sparked the fire by taking a swipe at the ultra-aggressive approach of Indian batters.
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Abhishek is known for fearlessly attacking cricket. He goes hard from the first ball, uses quick hands and a high backlift, and relies on timing and bat speed to dominate bowlers, making him one of the world’s most dangerous young batters of this generation.
However, Minhas said that he is the complete opposite of the Indian batter. He stressed that his game is built on patience, planning, and smart shot selection. Despite his ability to score big and fast, he believes in settling in first, reading conditions, and then accelerating.
Some people consider fearless cricket to be ‘hit, hit, hit,’: Sameer Minhas
Sameer Minhas was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo, “There is a trend these days of scoring at faster rates, and we are now seeing that even in Tests. But I try to bide my time and build innings. Once settled, I am able to score rapidly because I start in the middle and time the ball better. But you cannot attack every ball and cannot be playing rash shots as a top-order batter.”
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Taking a dig at Abhishek, the Pakistani batter has stressed that true fearless cricket is not blind hitting but choosing the right balls to attack and making maximum use of scoring chances. In an era where T20 cricket is pushing young batters to play all-out attacking cricket even in longer formats, Minhas’ traditional and orthodox approach has made him stand out.
The young batter further added, “Some people consider fearless cricket to be ‘hit, hit, hit,’ but for me it is about maximizing my scoring opportunities. If a ball is in my zone, regardless if it is first or last, I will attack it and make the most of it.”
All eyes on Sameer Minhas as Pakistan chase U-19 World Cup glory after two decades
It has been 20 years since Pakistan last won the Under-19 World Cup, and all eyes are now on Minhas. Fans are hoping the young star can help Pakistan win the title that brings immense pressure, but Minhas is calm and focused on the challenge ahead.
He signed off by saying, “I am, rather, feeling quite confident because of my form and looking to stretch it into the World Cup. I don’t focus on what is being said on social media or in the news, because I am here to represent my country, and I don’t want to be distracted.”
