The first semi-final match of the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025, played on Friday between India A and Bangladesh A, was incredibly thrilling. Led by Akbar Ali, Bangladesh A defeated India A in a hard-fought super over to secure their spot in the final.
Sports News: The excitement reached its peak in the first semi-final of the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025, contested between India A and Bangladesh A. The match was a struggle until the very last ball, and then Bangladesh A defeated India A in the super over to clinch their spot in the final. Bangladesh will now face either Pakistan or Sri Lanka, the winner of the second semi-final, in the championship match on Sunday.
India Forces Super Over on the Last Ball
In the match played in Doha, Bangladesh A batted first and set a challenging total of 194 runs for 6 wickets in 20 overs. In reply, India A also fought hard and came close to the target. The most dramatic moment of the match arrived when India needed 4 runs to win on the final ball.
Harsh Dubey played a shot on the last ball, and an unusual sight unfolded as he attempted to steal two runs. Bangladesh captain and wicketkeeper Akbar Ali tried to effect a run-out, throwing the ball towards the stumps, but it missed the stumps and rolled towards the off-side. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Harsh and Nehal Wadhera completed three runs. This brought India's score to 194 runs in 20 overs, resulting in a tie, and forcing a super over.
Super Over: India A's Batting Order Surprising, Bangladesh Seizes Opportunity
In the super over, India sent captain Jitesh Sharma and Ramandeep Singh to bat. Surprisingly, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who was in explosive form, was not given an opportunity in the super over. Ripon Mondol was entrusted with the bowling duties for Bangladesh. Ripon dealt India a major blow by bowling Jitesh Sharma on the very first ball. Ashutosh Sharma, who came in next, was dismissed attempting a big shot on the second ball. India could not even play all six balls of the super over and failed to register a single run.
Bangladesh needed just 1 run to win. Yasir Ali attempted a big shot off Suyash Sharma's delivery, and Ramandeep took a brilliant catch, momentarily raising hopes. However, in the very next moment, Suyash's ball was wide, and thanks to this extra run, Bangladesh A secured their entry into the final.
Bangladesh A's Innings: Sohan and Mehrob Shine
Batting first, Bangladesh A had a good start. Habibur Rahman Sohan and Jishan Alam put together a 43-run partnership. Jishan was dismissed for 26 runs, while Jawad Abrer (13) and captain Akbar Ali (9) couldn't play significant innings. The most crucial innings came from Sohan, who scored 65 runs off 46 balls, including 3 fours and 5 sixes.
Following this, S.M. Mehrob smashed a blistering 48 runs off just 18 balls, putting pressure on the Indian bowlers. His innings included 1 four and 6 sixes. For India, Gurjapneet Singh took 2 wickets, while Harsh Dubey, Suyash Sharma, Ramandeep Singh, and Naman Dhir each claimed one wicket.
India A's Innings: Vaibhav Suryavanshi Shines, But Missed in Super Over
Chasing a target of 195 runs, India A got off to a quick start. Vaibhav Suryavanshi won the hearts of the spectators by scoring 38 runs off just 15 balls. Priyansh Arya played an innings of 44 runs. Captain Jitesh Sharma scored 33 runs, while Nehal Wadhera (32*) and Harsh Dubey (3*) continued to fight until the end. However, continuous fall of wickets in the middle order put the team under pressure, and the match was stretched to a super over. For Bangladesh, Abu Hider and Rakibul Hasan took 2 wickets each.
