The thrilling clash of Pakistan Shaheens vs Sri Lanka A in the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 produced one of the most exciting matches of the tournament. Pakistan secured a narrow five-run win at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha, successfully defending their total of 153/9 and restricting Sri Lanka A to 148/9. The intensity, drama, and standout performances turned this match into a memorable chapter of the event.
Strong Start But Mid-Innings Collapse for Pakistan
Pakistan Shaheens began their innings confidently. Openers Mohammad Naeem and Maaz Sadaqat added 30 quick runs, setting the tone for an aggressive approach. Naeem scored 16 off 15 balls with three fours, while Sadaqat blasted 23 off 11 deliveries, hitting two sixes and two fours.
However, Pakistan’s early momentum was disrupted when Sri Lanka A triggered a batting collapse. Wickets fell rapidly, and the Shaheens slipped to 62/5 within eight overs. The pressure mounted, and it became clear the team needed stability in the middle order to rebuild.
This phase reflected how competitive Pakistan Shaheens vs Sri Lanka A matches usually are, with both sides capable of turning the game suddenly.
Middle-Order Partnership Steadies the Innings
Despite the collapse, Saad Masood and Ghori rescued the innings with a crucial 47-run partnership. Their calm and calculated approach helped Pakistan recover and cross the 100-run mark. Masood contributed 22 off 25 balls, while Ghori anchored the entire effort with an unbeaten 39 from 36 deliveries.
The final push came from Ahmed Daniyal, who produced an explosive cameo of 22 from just eight balls, including three massive sixes. His late hitting lifted Pakistan Shaheens to a defendable total of 153/9.
Sri Lanka A’s bowling attack was led by Pramod Madushan with four wickets. Traveen Mathew claimed three, while Rathnayake and Wellalage picked up one each.
Sri Lanka A’s Explosive Start Creates Early Pressure
Chasing 154, Sri Lanka A got off to a fiery start. Lasith Croospulle smashed 27 runs off just seven balls with three sixes and two fours, pushing Sri Lanka A to 29 runs inside two overs. Pakistan’s bowlers were under pressure as Croospulle’s aggressive hitting threatened to take the game away early.
Shahid Aziz dismissed Croospulle in the second over, offering Pakistan their first breakthrough. His wicket shifted the match slightly, but Sri Lanka A continued to push forward with Vishen Halambage forming partnerships with Nishan Madushka and Nuwanidu Fernando.
Collapse Turns the Match in Pakistan’s Favour
The turning point came when Sufiyan Muqeem removed Halambage after he scored 29 off 27 balls. From there, Sri Lanka A lost momentum and slipped from a strong position to 99/8 within 13.2 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers tightened their grip, delivering disciplined spells in the middle overs.
Sufiyan Muqeem and Saad Masood each took three wickets, while Ahmed Daniyal, Shahid Aziz, and Ubaid Shah grabbed one each. Their combined effort dismantled Sri Lanka A’s chase and highlighted the unpredictable nature of Pakistan Shaheens vs Sri Lanka A encounters.
Late Fightback Adds Final-Overs Drama
Even after the collapse, Sri Lanka A showed resilience. Milan Rathnayake played a determined knock under pressure, scoring 40 off 32 balls with five fours and a six. He kept the game alive until the final over, where his team needed eight runs from four balls.
Despite the tense situation, Pakistan held their nerve. Tight bowling in the final moments restricted Sri Lanka A to 148/9, sealing a five-run victory for the Shaheens.
Pakistan Advances to the Final
With this thrilling win in the Pakistan Shaheens vs Sri Lanka A semi-final, Pakistan advanced to the final, where they will face Bangladesh A. The Shaheens demonstrated remarkable composure, teamwork, and fighting spirit, raising hopes for another strong performance in the championship match.
