Pakistan Shaheens pulled off one of their most dramatic wins in recent memory, defending a modest 125 before edging Bangladesh ‘A’ in a nerve-racking Super Over to retain their Asia Cup Rising Stars title at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha on Sunday night.
Also Read: Usman Tariq Shines in Rawalpindi as Pakistan Storm Into Nov 29 Final
What looked like a straightforward win, then a certain defeat, then a miracle comeback — all unfolded within 40 minutes of pure chaos.
Shaheens were bowled out for 125 after another top-order collapse, but their spinners dragged them back into the contest, reducing Bangladesh to 53 for 7 and flipping the final on its head. Just when Pakistan seemed in control, a stunning counterattack pushed the match into Super Over territory.
Abdul Gaffar Saqlain smashed three towering sixes in the 19th over, taking 20 runs and igniting Bangladesh’s hopes. They needed seven off the last over, and despite Ahmed Daniyal’s tight bowling, a leg-bye off the final delivery tied the match and sent it into a Super Over.
Daniyal, entrusted with the ball again, produced magic — clean-bowling both Meherob and Rakibul in four deliveries to restrict Bangladesh to just six runs.
The chase began tensely. Ripon Mondol fired in two perfect yorkers, but Saad Masood held his nerve, flicking the third legal ball to the boundary to seal a famous win and send Shaheens into celebrations.
Earlier, Pakistan’s innings began in chaos. Yasir Khan was run out off the first ball thanks to a direct hit from Gaffar. Two balls later, Mohammad Faiq was bowled by Meherob, and Ghazi Ghori’s misjudgment left Shaheens 25 for 3.
Maaz Sadaqat briefly counterattacked before falling for 23, Arafat Minhas added a fighting 25, and Saad top-scored with a gutsy 38 off 26. Bangladesh’s spin attack controlled the middle overs, with Rakibul taking 2-16 and Rabby delivering four tight overs for just 17 runs. Mondol then tore through the lower order with three wickets in the 19th over.
The chase began brightly for Bangladesh, but Arafat Minhas turned the match instantly. He removed Jishan lbw, then trapped Ankon similarly moments later. Saad dismissed the dangerous Sohan, and Sufiyan Muqeem — the standout bowler of the tournament — delivered a brilliant spell of 3-11, dismantling the middle order with two sharp googlies.
At 53 for 7, the final seemed sealed. But Rakibul (24) and Meherob (19) added a tense 37-run stand, forcing Pakistan into panic mode. Saqlain’s breathtaking 20-run assault in the 19th over pushed the match to the brink.
In the end, Pakistan Shaheens held their nerve when it mattered most, showing grit, discipline, and unwavering belief to retain their Asia Cup Rising Stars crown in a final that will be remembered for years.
