rki.news
By Haroon Rashid Qureshi
photos by Muhammad Anas Azeemi
Pakistan Shaheens on Sunday clinched the DP World Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 title after a dramatic final in which Bangladesh matched their total, forcing a Super Over that swung sharply before Pakistan sealed the trophy in just four balls.
President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Mohsin Naqvi attended the final alongside President of Qatar Cricket Association Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Saoud Al-Thani at a packed West End Park International Cricket Stadium.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric, with strong support for both teams and a large expatriate crowd adding to the intensity of the night. Pakistan’s young squad showed remarkable composure under pressure, while Bangladesh earned praise for their spirited fightback. The tournament’s successful organization further highlighted Doha’s growing capability to host world-class cricket events.
Bangladesh opted to field first and immediately struck, reducing Pakistan to 2/2. Yasir Khan was run out first ball, and Mohammad Faiq fell shortly after. Maaz Sadaqat (23 off 18) and Ghazi Ghori (9 off 9) steadied briefly, but wickets continued to fall. Arafat Minhas (25 off 23) kept the innings alive, while Saad Masood’s explosive 38 off 26 — including three fours and three sixes — lifted Pakistan to a defendable 125. Ripon Mondol (3/25) and Rakibul Hasan (2/16) led a disciplined bowling effort for Bangladesh.
Chasing 126, Bangladesh collapsed from 36/1 to 48/5 under pressure from Arafat Minhas (2/5), Sufiyan Muqeem (3/11) and Ahmed Daniyal (2/11). Habibur Rahman’s 26 off 17 gave early momentum, but the middle order fell apart. At 53/7, the chase looked over before Rakibul Hasan (24 off 21) and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain (16 off 12)* revived hopes with a 29-run stand. Ripon Mondol’s late 11* tied the match at 125/9, sending the final into a Super Over.
Bangladesh managed just one run off the bat in the tie-breaker, losing two wickets while Pakistan conceded five wides. Set a target of seven, Pakistan sealed victory comfortably, with Saad Masood striking the winning run inside four deliveries.
Ahmed Daniyal, the Player of the Match, said: “The boys have gelled really well. The captain backed me and trusted me. I focussed on yorkers, but on the fourth ball we switched to length. I even told the captain I wanted the Super Over. His belief helped me deliver.”
Maaz Sadaqat, named Player of the Series, added: “It feels great. I had a lot of belief in myself. The captain trusted me, the coach had clear plans, and I executed them. I try to limit my errors and stick to a plan. Thankful to all the fans.”
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