KEY POINTS
- Semifinals on November 21 feature India A vs Bangladesh A and Pakistan Shaheens vs Sri Lanka A.
- Pakistan remain unbeaten, dominating Group B under Irfan Khan Niazi’s leadership.
- Maaz Sadaqat has been the standout performer with stellar batting and crucial wickets.
ISLAMABAD: The ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars is heading toward a blockbuster finish as the semifinal lineup sets the stage for a potential Pakistan–India showdown in Sunday’s final at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium, Doha.
The knockout round will be played on Friday, November 21, featuring India A taking on Bangladesh A in the first semifinal, followed by Pakistan Shaheens facing Sri Lanka A.
With both matches scheduled on the same day, anticipation is high, especially with the arch-rivals on opposite sides of the draw, raising hopes for a dream final between Pakistan and India on Sunday, November 23.
Among the four semifinalists, Pakistan remain the only unbeaten team in the tournament. Under the leadership of Irfan Khan Niazi, the Shaheens dominated Group B, securing convincing victories over India, Oman and the UAE.
India A also advanced with two wins from three matches, while Sri Lanka A and Bangladesh A progressed from Group A, with the latter qualifying due to a superior net run rate.
The final will take place on Sunday at the same venue, with fans expecting high drama and intense cricket should the arch-rivals meet again.
Pakistan’s campaign began on November 1 with a commanding 40-run win against Oman. Batting first, they posted 220-4, powered by a scintillating 96 off 54 balls from Maaz Sadaqat, featuring five fours and nine sixes.
Oman managed 180-9 in response, with Ubaid Shah picking up three wickets as Maaz and Saad Masood claimed two each.
In the high-voltage clash against India, Pakistan bowled out their rivals for 136. Shahid Aziz took three wickets, while Saad Masood and Maaz shared four between them.
Pakistan chased down the target in just 13.2 overs, losing only two wickets. Maaz once again shone with an unbeaten 79 from 47 balls, including seven fours and four sixes.
Pakistan wrapped up the group stage with a dominant win over the UAE, skittling them out for just 59 runs.
Sufiyan Muqeem picked up three wickets, Maaz and Ahmed Daniyal added two apiece. The Shaheens chased down the small target in 5.2 overs, with Maaz hammering 37 off 15 balls.
Riding a wave of unstoppable form, Pakistan looks poised to clash with a determined India, as cricket fans across the region hold their breath, ready for yet another heart-pounding episode in one of the game’s most legendary rivalries.
