The Pakistan Shaheens reached the Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship final after a tense five-run victory over Sri Lanka A on Friday. The gripping semi-final at West End Park saw Pakistan Shaheens defend a modest total with impressive discipline, especially from their spinners. The team will now face Bangladesh A in Sunday’s final.
Sri Lanka A began their chase of 154 with explosive intent. They smashed 29 runs in the first two overs, largely due to Lasith Croospulle’s blistering 27 from seven balls. Shahid Aziz broke the momentum by removing the aggressive opener in the second over.
Vishen Halambage then attempted to settle the innings, adding small partnerships with Nishan Madushka and Nuwanidu Fernando. However, when Sufiyan Muqeem dismissed Halambage for 29, Sri Lanka A collapsed dramatically. They crumbled from 70/3 to 99/8 in a span of just five overs.
Milan Rathnayake fought hard with a valuable 40 off 32 balls to keep his side alive. Sri Lanka A needed eight runs off the final four deliveries, but Pakistan held firm and restricted them to 148/9.
Muqeem and Saad Masood delivered standout performances with three wickets each. Ahmed Daniyal, Shahid Aziz, and Ubaid Shah claimed one wicket apiece, ensuring the Pakistan Shaheens stayed ahead during the pressure moments.
Pakistan Shaheens post 153 after early collapse
Earlier, the Pakistan Shaheens scored 153/9 after being asked to bat first. Openers Mohammad Naeem and Maaz Sadaqat provided a quick start with a 30-run partnership. Naeem hit 16 with three boundaries, while Sadaqat blasted 23 from 11 balls. Both fell in succession, triggering a collapse that left the team struggling at 62/5 inside eight overs.
Saad Masood and Ghori rebuilt the innings with a steady 47-run stand. Masood scored a composed 22, while Ghori remained unbeaten with a valuable 39 off 36 deliveries. A late surge from Ahmed Daniyal, who struck 22 from just eight balls, helped push the total beyond 150.
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Sri Lanka A’s attack was led by Pramod Madushan with four wickets, while Mathew supported with three.
The Pakistan Shaheens will now aim to finish their campaign with the championship title on Sunday.
