Pakistan A Claim Third Asia Cup Rising Stars Title in Thrilling Super Over Win.
Pakistan A made history on Sunday, November 23, becoming the first team to win the Asia Cup Rising Stars title three times. Irfan Khan Niazi’s side defeated Akbar Ali’s Bangladesh in a gripping final that went down to a Super Over at Doha’s West End Park International Cricket Stadium.
Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi, also Pakistan Cricket Board president, drew attention throughout the match, celebrating Pakistan’s triumph as he handed the trophy to captain Irfan Khan Niazi. Naqvi’s presence recalled a previous controversy in September when he had refused to hand the 2025 Asia Cup trophy to India after their win over Pakistan, insisting the Indian captain collect it personally from the ACC office.
A Nail-Biting Final
Pakistan’s innings began shakily at 2 for 2, but Maaz Sadaqat (23 off 18) and Arafat Minhas (25 off 23) steadied the ship. Saad Masood’s explosive 38 off 26 balls, including three sixes, lifted Pakistan to a competitive 125, with late contributions from Shahid Aziz and Sufiyan Muqeem. Ripon Mondol (3/25) and Rakibul Hasan (2/16) had earlier kept Pakistan under pressure.
Bangladesh started their chase strongly with Habibur Rahman Sohan (26 off 17) but collapsed under tight bowling from Sufiyan Muqeem (3/11) and Arafat Minhas. Rakibul Hasan’s 24 and a late 19-run 19th over by Saqlain and Mondol 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 conceding five wides, restricting Bangladesh to six runs. Pakistan chased calmly, with Saad Masood hitting a boundary and a single to secure a dramatic victory and lift the Rising Stars trophy for the third time.
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