In the final match of the ACC Men's Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025, Pakistan-A defeated Bangladesh-A in a Super Over to claim the title. Pakistan-A had previously been champions in 2019 and 2023 as well.
Sports News: The winner of the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 has been decided, with Pakistan claiming the title by defeating Bangladesh in a thrilling final. Batting first, the Pakistan team was all out for only 125 runs against the Bangladeshi bowlers. In reply, Bangladesh could also only manage 125 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs, after which the match went into a Super Over. In the Super Over, Bangladesh scored 6 runs, which Pakistan-A's batsmen Shad Masood and Maaz Sadaqat chased down in just 4 balls, scoring 7 runs.
This tournament, previously known as the ACC Emerging Asia Cup, is now called the Asia Cup Rising Stars. Pakistan has won this title for the third time; the team was also champions in 2019 and 2023 before this.
Pakistan's Victory in the Super Over
Both teams could only score 125-125 runs in the stipulated 20 overs, leading the match to a Super Over. Batting first in the Super Over, Bangladesh-A could only manage 6 runs. In reply, Pakistan-A won the match by scoring 7 runs in just four balls, thanks to the excellent batting of Shad Masood and Maaz Sadaqat.
Shad Masood's calm and sensible play and Sadaqat's confidence proved extremely effective for Pakistan at this decisive moment. This Super Over victory became an example of Pakistan-A's patience and brilliant performance under pressure.
Pakistan's Innings Restricted to 125 Runs
After losing the toss and batting first in the final, Pakistan-A had a very poor start. The team lost two wickets in just the initial few balls, with the score at only 2 runs. Bangladesh's bowlers maintained continuous pressure, and by 10.4 overs, half of Pakistan-A's team was back in the pavilion for 64 runs.
In this difficult situation, Shad Masood and Shahid Aziz steadied the team with a crucial 41-run partnership for the 7th wicket off 24 balls. Shad Masood scored 38 runs off 26 balls, including 3 fours and 3 sixes. Arafat Minhas (25) and Maaz Sadaqat (23) also made important contributions. However, three batsmen failed to score, and the entire team was restricted to 125 runs.
Bangladesh's Strong Fightback
Chasing the target, Bangladesh struggled from the outset. Bangladesh-A's top order faltered against Pakistan's disciplined bowling. However, in the final phase of the match, the tailenders introduced a new twist. Rakibul Hasan (24), Abdul Ghaffar Saklain (16 not out), and Ripon Mondol (11 not out) quickly scored runs to level the score, bringing the match to a thrilling climax.
Ripon Mondol also delivered a brilliant bowling performance, taking three wickets in the 19th over, which had jolted Pakistan's innings. However, all of Bangladesh's hard work in the Super Over came to naught when the team failed to post a substantial score. The contribution of Pakistan-A's bowlers was crucial in their victory. Sufyan Muqeem took three wickets, while Arafat Minhas and Ahmed Danyal claimed 2 wickets each.
