Minhas ends it in style as Pakistan trump Zimbabwe in the tri-series final win

Pakistan U19 team was too good for Zimbabwe to handle in the final of the tri-series, as they wrapped up the game with nine wickets and roughly 34 overs to spare. The rout was led by none other than Sameer Minhas, who struck his fourth YODI hundred since the start of December.

This time, however, Minhas did it in incredible style. The 19-year-old batter scored 114 off just 51 balls, having brought up his century in just 42 balls. This puts him at the top of the list of fastest YODI hundreds, going past India’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s 52-ball century record.

Fastest centuries in U19 ODIs

Sameer Minhas (Pakistan), 42 balls against Zimbabwe in 2026

Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India), 52 balls against England in 2025

Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India), 56 balls against UAE in 2025

Qasim Akram (Pakistan), 63 balls against Sri Lanka in 2022

Jayden Draper (Australia), 65 balls against India in 2025

Umar Zaib’s four-wicket haul

While Sameer’s form made him stuffed for headlines, the Pakistan bowlers were brilliant in the final as well. Umar Zaib took a four-wicket haul for 20 runs in seven overs. Having taken a five-for in the last game, Zaib is the second-highest wicket-taker of the series.

Reacting to the team’s phenomenal win, Pakistan Cricket Board chair Mohsin Naqvi praised the youngsters for their resounding victory over the hosts.

"Heartfelt congratulations to our Pakistan U19 team on winning the tri-series in Zimbabwe! You've made the nation so proud with your passion and skill," Naqvi said.

"Special shoutout to the brilliant Sameer Minhas for his inspirational batting! Well done to captain Farhan Yousaf, players, and staff. Keep shining, Shaheens, onwards to the U19 World Cup!"

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