Pakistan A Clinch Asia Cup Rising Stars Title in Thrilling Super Over Win
Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi was in the spotlight as Pakistan A became the first team to win the Asia Cup Rising Stars title three times. On Sunday, November 23, Irfan Khan Niazi’s side edged out Akbar Ali’s Bangladesh in a nail-biting final that went down to a Super Over at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha.
Bangladesh, aiming for their maiden title in the tournament, fell just short. Cameras frequently captured Naqvi’s animated reactions as he watched the match unfold. After Pakistan’s victory, he personally handed the trophy to captain Irfan Khan Niazi.
This moment drew attention because Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan Cricket Board president, had previously stirred controversy by refusing to present the 2025 Asia Cup trophy to India after they defeated Pakistan in Dubai. Despite India’s request for the Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman to conduct the presentation, Naqvi insisted on handing it over himself, leading to India’s team declining the ceremony. He later stated that India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, would need to collect the trophy personally from the ACC office in Dubai.
A Match of High Drama
Batting first, Pakistan struggled early at 2 for 2, with Yasir Khan and Mohammad Faiq departing cheaply. Maaz Sadaqat (23 off 18) and Arafat Minhas (25 off 23) steadied the innings, but it was Saad Masood’s explosive 38 off 26, featuring three fours and three sixes, that propelled Pakistan to a competitive 125. Late contributions from Shahid Aziz and Sufiyan Muqeem added crucial runs, while Ripon Mondol (3/25) and Rakibul Hasan (2/16) kept Bangladesh in check.
Bangladesh’s chase began well with Habibur Rahman Sohan (26 off 17) but lost momentum as Sufiyan Muqeem (3/11) and Arafat Minhas struck key blows. A late surge by Rakibul Hasan and a 19-run 19th over forced a Super Over after Ahmed Daniyal conceded six runs in the final over.
In the Super Over, Daniyal dismissed Saqlain and Jishan Alam despite giving away five wides, restricting Bangladesh to six runs. Pakistan calmly chased the target, with Saad Masood sealing the win with a boundary and a single, handing the Shaheens a dramatic and historic victory.
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