Pakistan claimed the Asia Cup Rising Stars title after a dramatic final that ended in a Super Over. The thrilling match took place in Doha, where Pakistan defeated Bangladesh with composed batting and disciplined bowling in the last moments. This victory marked Pakistan’s third title in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament.
Bangladesh A won the toss and chose to field first. Pakistan Shaheens had a difficult start. The team lost two early wickets for only two runs. Openers Yasir Khan and Mohammad Faik were both dismissed without scoring, which increased the pressure on the batting lineup.
Maaz Sadaqat tried to rebuild the innings. He scored 23 runs off 18 balls with two fours and one six. Arafat Minhas added 25 runs. Captain Irfan Khan Niazi contributed only 9 runs. The highest scorer for Pakistan was Saad Masood. He played a crucial knock of 38 runs from 26 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes. Pakistan managed to reach 125 for 9 in the allotted overs.
Ripon Mandal was the standout bowler for Bangladesh. He took three wickets. Rakibul Hasan supported him with two wickets.
Bangladesh also struggled at the start of their chase. They lost four wickets for just 44 runs. Habibur Rahman Sohan made 26 runs. S.M. Mehrob scored 19, while Rakibul Hasan added 24. Despite the early setbacks, Bangladesh kept the game alive. The last-wicket pair shocked Pakistan by leveling the score.
Abdul Ghaffar Saqlain and Ripon Mandal scored 16 and 11 runs respectively. Bangladesh ended their innings at 125 for 9 in 20 overs. Ahmad Daniyal bowled the final over but Saqlain managed to tie the match, taking the contest into a Super Over.
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Bangladesh batted first in the Super Over. They scored only 6 runs for 2 wickets. Ahmad Daniyal bowled brilliantly and dismissed both batters. Pakistan then sent Saad Masood and Maaz Sadaqat to chase the target. They scored 8 runs on the fifth ball without losing a wicket, securing the title.
Pakistan Shaheens have now won the Asia Cup Rising Stars in 2019, 2023, and 2025. ACC President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi attended the final and congratulated the team for their win.
