Pakistan Shaheens held their nerve in a thrilling finish to defeat Bangladesh A and lift the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 trophy at West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha on Sunday, successfully chasing a seven-run target in the Super Over.
Pakistan struggle but post a fighting total
Batting first, the Shaheens endured a disastrous start, managing 125 all out after repeated top-order failures.
The innings began with chaos as opener Yasir Khan was run out for a golden duck on the very first ball, thanks to sharp work from Abdul Ghaffar Saqlain. More trouble followed when Mohammad Faiq fell for another duck, leaving Pakistan reeling at 2–2 in 1.1 overs.
A brief 23-run stand between Ghazi Ghori and Maaz Sadaqat steadied the innings, but Ghori’s nine off nine balls ended when Rakibul Hasan struck. Sadaqat—who had been the tournament’s leading run-scorer—top scored early with 23 off 18, including two fours and a six, before falling to Jishan Alam, making it 49–4 in seven overs.
Arafat Minhas (25 off 23) and skipper Irfan Niazi attempted to rebuild, taking Pakistan past 50, but the momentum dipped again when Arafat was dismissed by Saqlain at 64–5 in 10.4 overs.
Shaheens’ bowlers seal the deal
Despite the modest total, Pakistan’s bowlers staged a brilliant comeback, dragging the match into a Super Over and then defending the target in style to secure the title.
Their disciplined bowling, clutch fielding, and composure under pressure ultimately proved the difference as the Shaheens lifted the coveted Rising Stars trophy.
