DOHA: Pakistan Shaheens successfully defended their Asia Cup Rising Stars title on Sunday night after a dramatic Super Over victory over Bangladesh ‘A’ at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium.
In a tense final that swung unpredictably over 40 minutes, Pakistan posted a modest total of 125, their top order again succumbing to early wickets on a tricky two-paced surface. Yasir Khan was run out off the very first delivery, while Mohammad Faiq was castled immediately after. By the end of the powerplay, Pakistan were struggling at 25 for 3. Maaz Sadaqat offered a brief counterattack, scoring 23 off 23 balls, but it was only Arafat Minhas (25) and Saad Masood’s brisk 38 from 26 balls who resisted meaningfully.
Bangladesh’s spinners applied tight pressure in the middle overs, with Rakibul Hasan taking 2-16 and Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby conceding just 17 runs in four overs. Ripon Mondol then decimated Pakistan’s lower order in the 19th over, claiming three wickets for just two runs, including two precise yorkers.
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Chasing 126, Bangladesh initially looked comfortable at 36 for 1, but Pakistan’s spinners turned the tide. Minhas removed Jishan Alam and Mahidul Islam Ankon lbw in successive overs, while Saad Masood and Sufiyan Muqeem continued to wreak havoc, reducing Bangladesh to 53 for 7. Sufiyan, finishing with 3-11, delivered crucial breakthroughs with his googlies, earning praise as the tournament’s standout bowler.
A late recovery by Rakibul Hasan (24) and SM Meherob (19) added 37 crucial runs, keeping Bangladesh’s hopes alive. Abdul Gaffar Saqlain then smashed three sixes in the 19th over, leveling the contest. With seven runs needed off the last over, Ahmed Daniyal held his nerve, conceding just three runs and two byes before a leg-bye off the final delivery forced a Super Over.
In the Super Over, Daniyal’s lethal lean-bowling dismantled the Bangladeshi pair, dismissing both batters in four balls and restricting them to just six runs. Pakistan sealed the thrilling victory with Saad Masood striking a four, bringing home the Shaheens’ successful title defence.
Despite another top-order collapse, Pakistan’s disciplined bowling and composure under pressure proved decisive. The win marks back-to-back Asia Cup Rising Stars titles for the Shaheens and highlights the team’s promising young talent on the international stage.
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