The Pakistan Shaheens have stormed into the final of the Asia Cup Rising Stars after edging out Sri Lanka A by just 5 runs in a tense semifinal played in Doha. The match kept fans on the edge of their seats as both sides fought hard until the last ball.
Sri Lanka A won the toss and opted to field first, hoping to restrict the Shaheens to a modest total. Pakistan’s batting lineup, however, showed resilience. Ghazi Ghori anchored the innings with an unbeaten 39 runs, while Muaz Sadaqat provided fireworks with a rapid 23 off just 11 balls. Saad Masood and Ahmed Daniyal chipped in with 22 runs each, helping Pakistan reach 153 for 9 in their 20 overs. Sri Lanka’s bowlers fought back strongly, with Pramod Madushan claiming 4 wickets and Travin Mathews adding 3 to keep the Shaheens under pressure.
Sri Lanka’s Chase Falls Short
Chasing 154, Sri Lanka A looked determined but faltered under tight bowling. Milan Rathnayake top‑scored with 40 runs, while Vishan Halambage made 29 and opener Lasith Crosspulle added 27. Despite these contributions, the rest of the batting lineup collapsed, with no other player reaching double figures. The team finished at 148 for 9, falling agonizingly short of the target.
Pakistan’s Bowling Heroes
The Shaheens’ bowlers rose to the occasion. Sufyan Muqeem and Saad Masood each took three wickets, while Ubaid Shah, Shahid Aziz, and Ahmed Daniyal chipped in with one apiece. Saad Masood’s all‑round performance earned him the Player of the Match award, cementing his role as one of the key figures in Pakistan’s campaign.
Road to the Final
With this victory, Pakistan Shaheens have secured their place in the final against Bangladesh A, scheduled for tomorrow in Doha. The clash promises to be a high‑stakes encounter, as both sides have shown grit and determination throughout the tournament. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether Pakistan can carry their momentum into the final and lift the Rising Stars trophy.