Vaibhav Suryavanshi vs Sameer Minhas (X.com and AFP)
On 21 December, the high-octane U19 Asia Cup 2025 concluded, with the final played between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. Contested at the International Cricket Council Academy (ICCA) in Dubai, Farhan Yousaf-led Men in Green slumped Ayush Mhatre's India by 191 runs.
Pakistan opener Sameer Minhas' 172, just off 113 deliveries, overshadowed a star-studded India, who were considered to be the tournament favourites. Notably, the in-form Vaibhav Suryavanshi threw his wicket for a 10-ball 26. His innings, though, at a strike rate of 260, proved less for the title.
Although the tournament has ended, the limelight remains on the big-name players, who are believed to become the future of their respective nations.
That said, let's compare the two most talked-about young guns, Vaibhav Suryavanshi from India and Sameer Minhas from Pakistan, to check the credibility around their buildup.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi vs Sameer Minhas stats in U19 Asia Cup 2025
Here's a look at how both the openers have performed in the recently held 2025 ACC Under-19 Asia Cup:
Vaibhav Suryavanshi's stats
| Category | Value |
| Matches | 5 |
| Innings | 5 |
| Runs | 261 |
| Average | 52.2 |
| Strike Rate | 182.52 |
| Fours | 18 |
| Sixes | 20 |
Sameer Minhas' stats
| Category | Value |
| Matches | 5 |
| Innings | 5 |
| Runs | 471 |
| Average | 157 |
| Strike Rate | 117.46 |
| Fours | 41 |
| Sixes | 19 |
Note: Both the batters open the innings for their nations.
Significantly, as seen in the above tables, Pakistan's Minhas has scored 471 runs, which is 210 runs more than Suryavanshi managed, 261. While Suryavanshi's strike rate of 182.52 reflects his explosive batting style, Minhas' stats and impact in crucial games showcase his reliability as a batter.
How has 2025 turned out for the two prodigious talents?
The 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi entered the tournament as one of the most acclaimed names. Making his IPL debut in style, with a first-ball six, Suryavanshi etched his name in the record books with a blistering 38-ball 101 in the 47th game of the 18th edition.
The 35-ball century by the Rajasthan Royals opener became the second-fastest in the tournament's history after Chris Gayle's 30-ball blitz for RCB against PWI in 2013.
There has been no stopping the boss baby, who has scored as many as 6 tons across formats and against teams like Australia and England in age-group cricket.
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Meanwhile, Sameer Minhas is the younger brother of Pakistan T20I player Arafat Minhas. Notably, Sameer's consistent performances have helped him rise through the ranks in the country's age-group categories.
The right-handed batter played for Multan Region Under-13s, Southern Punjab Under-16s, and Multan Under-19s before being rewarded with a national cap for Pakistan in the Under-19 category.
19-year-old Manhas first hogged the limelight for his 177 not out off 148 balls against Malaysia in his maiden Youth ODI. Moreover, in the semi-final against Bangladesh, Sameer played a pivotal role with an unbeaten half-century. He did even better in the final, scoring a massive 172.
Conclusion: Who is better, Vaibhav Suryavanshi or Sameer Minhas?
At just 14, Suryavanshi is undoubtedly a massive talent and deserves all the praise he has received in the recent months. Suryavanshi's hype stems from his consistent dominance in T20s across age groups. Further, it is important to note that he is just a teenager and has a lot more time to learn from his mistakes and overcome hurdles.
However, the Pakistan prodigy, Sameer Minhas, stole all the limelight with his title-winning knock in the final against arch-rivals India in the U19 Asia Cup 2025. Minhas' campaign in the recently concluded championship has been laced with a number of impactful knocks, especially in the knockouts.
Thus, it won't be wrong to claim that Suryavanshi's fanfare is well-deserved, but Minhas' prowess to steal the show is nothing short of it.
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.jpg?type=mq "Most ODI runs for India in 2025")
