Key Points
- Bangladesh A advanced to the final after defeating India A in a tense super-over following a 194-run tie.
- Ripon Mondol’s all-round brilliance, including two crucial wickets in the super-over, earned him Player of the Match.
- Habibur Rahman Sohan (65) and SM Meherob (48*) powered Bangladesh A’s batting, while India A’s Priyansh Arya (44) and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (38) kept the contest tight.
DOHA: Bangladesh A booked their place in the Asia Cup Rising Stars final after a thrilling 1st Semi-Final against India A on Friday, prevailing in a tense super-over showdown following a dramatic tie at 194.
Ripon Mondol’s all-round performance earned him Player of the Match honours as his side edged past their rivals in a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Sent in to bat, Bangladesh A posted 194/6 in their 20 overs, anchored by a fluent 65 off 46 balls from Habibur Rahman Sohan, which included five boundaries and a six. SM Meherob turned the momentum in the final overs with a blazing 48 not out off 18 balls, striking six sixes to elevate the total. Contributions from Jishan Alam (26) and Ollie Pope (46) ensured Bangladesh remained competitive despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
India A responded strongly, matching the target with a total of 194/6 in 20 overs. Priyansh Arya’s 44 off 23 balls and Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s explosive 38 off 15 set the tone, while Jitesh Sharma (33 off 23) and an unbeaten Nehal Wadhera (32*) held their nerve to take the game to a tie. Ripon Mondol and Abu Hider claimed vital wickets, keeping India A under pressure in crucial phases.
With the match tied at the end of regulation overs, a super over was required to determine the winner. India A were restricted to 0/2, as Mondol struck twice to secure the upper hand. Bangladesh A managed 1/1, sealing a narrow victory and a place in the final.
Mondol’s exceptional performance with the ball under pressure proved decisive, highlighting his growing stature in the Rising Stars circuit. Bangladesh A will now face the winner of the second semi-final, which will be played between Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka A in an hour time. Final showdown for the Asia Cup Rising Stars trophy will be held on Sunday.
Key Highlights
- Bangladesh A and India A tied at 194/6; Bangladesh won in the super over.
- Ripon Mondol starred with two crucial wickets and earned Player of the Match.
- Habibur Rahman Sohan and SM Meherob’s late-order hitting propelled Bangladesh to a competitive total.
