Pakistan Shaheens Dominates India A to Reach Asia Cup Semis

In a thrilling encounter at the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament, the Pakistan Shaheens secured their place in the semi-finals with a commanding eight-wicket victory over India A. The match took place on October 3, 2023, at the West End Park Stadium in Doha, Qatar, where Pakistan chased down a target of 137 runs in just 14 overs.

Maaz Sadaqat’s Stellar Performance

Leading the charge for Pakistan was Maaz Sadaqat, a 20-year-old left-arm spinner who delivered an outstanding performance. Sadaqat remained unbeaten on 79 runs, facing only 47 deliveries. His contribution with the bat was complemented by his bowling, where he took two crucial wickets, including that of Indian captain Jitesh Sharma.

India A, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, initially appeared to be in a strong position. The 14-year-old opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi showcased his talent with a brisk 45 runs off 28 balls, hitting three sixes and five boundaries. His partnership with Naman Dhir, which yielded 49 runs, provided a solid foundation. However, once Suryavanshi was dismissed by Sufiyan Muqeem, the Indian batting line-up crumbled.

India A lost eight wickets for just 45 runs and ultimately ended their innings at 136, with one over remaining. Pakistan’s Shahid Aziz was particularly effective, claiming three wickets for 24 runs, while Sadaqat and Saad Masood chipped in with two wickets each.

Pakistan’s Swift Chase and Future Aspirations

Returning to bat, Sadaqat wasted no time in leading the chase, reaching his half-century in just 31 balls. He struck four sixes and seven fours during his innings. Although Pakistan lost Mohammad Naeem and Yasir Khan to Yash Thakur and Suyash Sharma respectively, Sadaqat and Mohammad Faiq ensured a smooth finish. Sadaqat sealed the victory with a six, leaving 40 balls to spare.

“I am very happy that we have won this match. This success is the result of a lot of hard work,” Sadaqat said after the game. “The pitch wasn’t easy to bat on as it was low and slow, but I batted cautiously and I am happy to have done well.”

As Pakistan looks ahead, Sadaqat emphasized the importance of winning every match in the tournament: “Now we look ahead to our future games.”

In another match on the same day, Oman secured a dramatic last-ball victory against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Chasing a target of 155, Oman managed to clinch the win in a tense finish. UAE, after recovering from early setbacks, posted 154 for 6, with captain Alishan Sharafu contributing 33 runs.

Despite a shaky start, Oman found stability with contributions from Hammad Mirza, N Saishiv, and Aryan Raju Bisht, each scoring in the 20s and 30s. In a nail-biting final over, Oman required four runs for victory. After a series of dramatic events, including a run-out, they emerged victorious with a final single run.

The Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament continues to showcase young talent, with the semi-finals now set to feature the formidable Pakistan Shaheens and Oman’s resilient squad.