Pakistan Shaheens seal spot in Asia Cup Rising Stars final

Pakistan Shaheens reached the final of the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 after a close five-run win over Sri Lanka A at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha on Friday.

Defending 153, Pakistan were led by spinners Sufiyan Muqeem and Saad Masood, who took three wickets each and kept Sri Lanka under pressure throughout the chase.

Sri Lanka A started aggressively, scoring 29 runs in the first two overs with Lasith Croospulle hitting a quick 27 off seven balls.

Shahid Aziz dismissed him to give Pakistan their first breakthrough. Halambage made 29 off 27, but after his dismissal Sri Lanka collapsed to 99-8 in 13.2 overs.

Rathnayake kept Sri Lanka in the game with a steady 40 off 32 balls and took the match into the final over, where they needed eight runs off four deliveries, but Pakistan held on to their nerves to win by five runs.

First Innings

Earlier, Pakistan lost the toss and were put in to bat. Mohammad Naeem and Maaz Sadaqat provided a fast start with a 30-run opening stand.

Naeem fell for 16 and Sadaqat soon followed for 23 off 11 balls. Pakistan then suffered a collapse and slipped to 62-5 in 7.3 overs.

Saad Masood and Ghazi Ghori rebuilt the innings with a 47-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Ahmed Daniyal added quick runs at the end, smashing 22 off eight balls with three sixes. Ghori remained unbeaten on 39 off 36 balls as Pakistan posted 153-9.

Pakistan Shaheens will now face Bangladesh A in the final on Sunday.