Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
In a thrilling conclusion to the Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025, Pakistan Shaheens emerged victorious over Bangladesh A via a dramatic Super Over in Doha. Both teams concluded their innings tied at 125 runs, sparking an electrifying Super Over. The Shaheens maintained their unbeaten streak throughout the tournament, showcasing exceptional skill against teams like Oman, India A, UAE, and Sri Lanka A.
With the scoreboard locked, Bangladesh A batted first in the Super Over but struggled, scoring a mere one run while losing two wickets. Ahmed Daniyal delivered a stunning performance, capturing two wickets without conceding many runs. Facing daunting odds, Bangladesh couldn’t muster more than a wide ball before succumbing.
Pakistan only required seven runs to win, and they accomplished this swiftly in just four balls thanks to Saad Masood's decisive boundary and calculated singles, sealing the match and the Asia Cup title with poise.
Prior to the Super Over, Bangladesh A faced a challenging pursuit of 125. They began with promise, netting 22 runs in the opening overs, but a powerful Pakistani bowling attack soon shifted the momentum. Bangladesh found themselves in deep trouble at 53-7 after just ten overs, though a late cameo from SM Meherob and Rakibul Hasan put together 37 runs for the eighth wicket. Their efforts lifted the team’s score to 90-8.
Even after Rakibul’s dismissal to Ahmed Daniyal in the 18th over, Bangladesh required 30 runs from the remaining 16 balls. The last duo of Abdul Gaffar Saqlain and Ripon Mondol pressed on, astonishingly scoring three sixes in one over, leaving only seven needed off the final six balls. They tied the game with a couple of leg-byes, launching the match into the Super Over.
Pakistan's spinners were instrumental in reversing the game’s course. Sufyan Moqim, Arafat Minhas, Maaz Sadaqat, and Saad Masood delivered remarkable bowling spells, with Sufyan achieving three wickets for just 11 runs and Arafat taking two for five. Their collective effort dismantled Bangladesh A’s batting and kept them under immense pressure.
Pakistan initially faltered, collapsing to 25-3 early in their innings. However, player of the tournament Maaz Sadaqat steadied the ship with a vital 23-run contribution. Arafat Minhas further bolstered the innings with 25 runs, pushing Pakistan toward a competitive total.
Saad Masood played a pivotal role, scoring a formidable 38 off just 26 balls, which included three boundaries and three towering sixes. His crucial partnership with Shahid Aziz lifted the score to a respectable 125 all out.
This final was packed with all the drama—early wickets, late recoveries, pressure-fueled overs, and an exhilarating Super Over. The Pakistan Shaheens displayed poise under pressure, securing their third trophy in the ACC development tournaments.
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