COLOMBO; Pakistan Shaheens stormed into the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 final after clinching a nail-biting last-ball victory over Sri Lanka A in Doha on Friday night. Defending 153, the Shaheens held their nerve in a gripping semi-final to seal a five-run win and book a title clash with Bangladesh A.
Sri Lanka A, needing six off the final ball, watched No.11 Garuka Sanketh swing and miss as Ubaid Shah nailed his final delivery at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium.
Spin Squeeze Turns the Match
The Shaheens’ defence was anchored by outstanding spells from wrist-spinners Sufiyan Muqeem (3/12) and Saad Masood (3/18), who combined for 6 for 30 to derail Sri Lanka A after a blazing Powerplay start that took them to 74/2 in 7.2 overs.
Saad struck early to remove Nishan Madushka, then returned to pick up two more key wickets en route to a match-winning performance that earned him the Player of the Match award. Sufiyan matched him with a decisive double-strike in the eighth over, removing the set opener Vishen Halambage (29).
Rathnayake’s Late Charge
At 79/6, Sri Lanka A looked out of the contest before No.8 Milan Rathnayake counterattacked with a fearless 40 off 32 (5 fours, 1 six). He added a crucial 47-run stand with Traveen Mathew (4* off 12) to drag the game deep into the final overs.
Sri Lanka needed 46 off the last four overs, and Rathnayake kept the chase alive by taking 25 runs off the 17th and 18th overs combined. But with three balls left, he was trapped lbw by a pinpoint yorker from Ubaid Shah, leaving the last pair needing six off the final ball — a bridge too far.
Shaheens Fight Back with the Bat
Earlier, the Shaheens recovered from 62/5 to post a competitive 153/9 in their 20 overs.
Openers Maaz Sadaqat (23 off 11) and Mohammad Naeem (16 off 15) gave a quick start before Sri Lanka’s bowlers responded strongly. Pramod Madushan (4/29) and Traveen Mathew (3/22) triggered a collapse in which the Shaheens lost four wickets for 22 runs.
Muhammad Ghazi Ghori anchored the innings brilliantly with an unbeaten 39 off 36, while Saad Masood contributed a steady 22. A late burst from Ahmed Daniyal (22 off 8; 3 sixes) lifted Pakistan beyond 150, a total that ultimately proved just enough.
Score Summary
2nd Semi-Final – Pakistan Shaheens beat Sri Lanka A by 5 runs
Venue: West End Park International Cricket Stadium, Doha – daily mirror
