Doha: Bangladesh A clinched a dramatic Super Over victory against India A to book their place in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship 2025 final at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium on Friday.
In a nail-biting finish, fast bowler Ripon Mondol delivered a flawless Super Over, defending a minimal target to steer Bangladesh A into Sunday’s title clash against either Pakistan A or Sri Lanka A.
Mondol’s brilliance stuns India in Super Over
Mondol, who had earlier given away just five runs in the penultimate over of India’s innings, was handed the crucial task of bowling the Super Over by captain Akbar Ali.
He struck immediately with a pinpoint yorker that rattled the stumps of India A skipper Jitesh Sharma. On the very next delivery, Ashutosh Sharma attempted an inside-out loft but was caught at short cover, leaving India A with only five runs on the board.
Bangladesh A’s chase was tense despite needing just one run. Yasir Khan fell on the first ball, lofting Suyash Sharma straight to long-on. However, a wide delivery off the next ball sealed Bangladesh’s entry into the final.
Bangladesh post commanding 194 after Sohan’s explosive fifty
Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Bangladesh A rode on a fluent half-century from Habibur Rahman Sohan (65 off 46 balls), featuring five sixes and three fours.
SM Meherob’s unbeaten 48 further boosted the total to a competitive 194/6 in 20 overs.
India match target amid fielding lapses
India A responded strongly, reaching 194/6 courtesy of contributions from their middle order and aided by Bangladesh’s fielding errors.
The equation came down to 16 off the final over, with Nehal Wadhera and Ashutosh Sharma at the crease. After a six and a dropped catch that went for four, Bangladesh’s Rakibul Hasan bounced back with a perfect yorker to dismiss Sharma.
India required four off the final ball. Harsh Dubey’s strike went to long-off, and a misdirected throw allowed the batters to complete three runs, forcing the match into a dramatic Super Over.
Final set for Sunday
Bangladesh A will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Pakistan A and Sri Lanka A, with the championship showdown scheduled for Sunday in Doha.
