Shaheens defend 153 as spinners dismantle Sri Lanka A’s chase.
Shaheens Seal Final Spot After Thrilling Five-Run Win in Doha
Pakistan Shaheens booked their place in the Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship final after defeating Sri Lanka A by a narrow margin of five runs in a gripping semi-final at West End Park, Doha.
The hard-fought victory sets up a high-stakes final against Bangladesh A on Sunday.
Sri Lanka A’s Explosive Start Meets Pakistan’s Spin Fightback
Chasing 154, Sri Lanka A exploded out of the blocks with 29 runs in the first two overs, led by Lasith Croospulle’s blistering 27 off just seven balls.
However, Shahid Aziz removed the dangerous opener to halt the early assault.
Vishen Halambage tried stabilizing the innings with brief stands alongside Madushka and Nuwanidu, but Pakistan’s spinners unleashed a devastating spell.
Sufiyan Muqeem dismissed Halambage for 29, triggering a dramatic collapse from 70/3 to 99/8 in barely five overs.
Despite a fighting knock of 40 off 32 by Milan Rathnayake, Sri Lanka A fell short, managing 148/9 as Pakistan held their nerve in the final over.
Pakistan’s Standout Performers
- Sufiyan Muqeem – 3 wickets
- Saad Masood – 3 wickets
- Ahmed Daniyal, Shahid Aziz & Ubaid Shah – 1 wicket each
Shaheens Build Total Despite Mid-Innings Collapse
Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Pakistan Shaheens posted 153/9.
Openers Mohammad Naeem and Maaz Sadaqat gave a brisk start, adding 30 runs before both fell quickly.
This triggered a collapse that left Pakistan stumbling at 62/5 within eight overs.
But Saad Masood (22) and Ghori (39* off 36) stabilized the innings through a vital 47-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
A late burst from Ahmed Daniyal 22 off just eight balls with three huge sixes pushed the score past the 150 mark.
Sri Lanka A’s Pramod Madushan impressed with 4 wickets, supported by Mathew’s 3-wicket haul.
What Happened?
Pakistan Shaheens defended a modest 153 and won by five runs after Sri Lanka A’s dramatic late surge was stopped by disciplined bowling.
Why It Matters?
The victory places Pakistan in the Rising Stars Championship final, showcasing the strength of its next-generation talent and the depth of its spin attack.
How the Game Turned? The match shifted when Muqeem and Masood triggered Sri Lanka A’s collapse from 70/3 to 99/8, creating pressure that the opposition could not recover from.