DOHA: Pakistan Shaheens sealed a thrilling five-run victory over Sri Lanka A in the second semi-final of the Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship 2025, advancing to the final where they will face Bangladesh A on Sunday at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium.
Despite setting a modest target of 154, Shaheens rode on a superb spin performance from Sufiyan Muqeem and Saad Masood to restrict Sri Lanka A to 148/9 in their allotted overs.
Sri Lanka A’s blazing start ends in collapse
Chasing 154, Sri Lanka A were off to a fiery start, hammering 29 runs in the first two overs through Lasith Croospulle’s explosive 27 off just seven balls, featuring three sixes and two fours.
However, Shahid Aziz removed the danger man early, triggering a shift in momentum.
Vishen Halambage (29 off 27) tried to anchor the innings, stitching small stands with Nishan Madushka and Nuwanidu Fernando, but once Muqeem dismissed him in the eighth over, Sri Lanka A plunged into a dramatic collapse — losing four quick wickets and slipping to 99/8 in 13.2 overs.
Milan Rathnayake fought valiantly at the backend, scoring 40 off 32 balls, keeping the chase alive until the final over when Sri Lanka needed eight off four. Pakistan’s bowlers held their nerve to close out the match.
Muqeem and Masood claimed three wickets each, while Ahmed Daniyal, Aziz, and Ubaid Shah picked up one apiece.
Shaheens recover from top-order slump to post 153/9
Earlier, Pakistan Shaheens posted 153/9 after being sent in to bat. Openers Mohammad Naeem (16) and Maaz Sadaqat (23) gave a brisk start with a 30-run stand, but both fell in quick succession as the Shaheens stumbled to 62/5 in 7.3 overs.
A crucial 47-run sixth-wicket partnership between Saad Masood (22) and Ghori (39)* steadied the innings.
Ahmed Daniyal then hammered a late 22 off just 8 balls, including three sixes, pushing the total beyond 150.
For Sri Lanka A, Pramod Madushan starred with 4 wickets, while Traveen Mathew bagged 3, and Rathnayake and Dunith Wellalage picked up one each.
Final on Sunday: Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh A
With this hard-fought win, Pakistan Shaheens move into the Asia Cup Rising Stars final, setting up an exciting clash against Bangladesh A as both teams eye the continental title.
