Pakistan Shaheens sealed their spot in the Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship final after defending a modest total and securing a tense five-run victory over Sri Lanka A on Friday.
The second semi-final at West End Park delivered a gripping contest, with Pakistan’s spinners rising to the occasion. The team will now meet Bangladesh A in Sunday’s finale.
The chase for 154 began aggressively as Sri Lanka A hammered 29 runs in the first two overs, fuelled by Lasith Croospulle’s explosive 27 from just seven balls. Shahid Aziz halted the early onslaught by removing the right-hander in the second over.
Vishen Halambage then attempted to stabilize the innings, stitching small partnerships with Nishan Madushka and Nuwanidu Fernando. But his dismissal by Sufiyan Muqeem for 29 triggered a collapse. Sri Lanka A tumbled from 70/3 to 99/8 in just over five overs.
Milan Rathnayake kept the contest alive with a fighting 40 off 32 balls. Sri Lanka A needed eight off the final four deliveries, but Pakistan’s bowlers held their nerve to restrict them to 148/9.
Muqeem and Saad Masood were the standout performers with three wickets each, while Ahmed Daniyal, Shahid Aziz and Ubaid Shah contributed one apiece.
Pakistan post 153 after mid-innings collapse
Earlier, Pakistan Shaheens posted 153/9 after being asked to bat first. Openers Mohammad Naeem and Maaz Sadaqat provided a brisk start with a 30-run stand. Naeem scored 16 with three boundaries, while Sadaqat smashed 23 off 11 balls before both fell in quick succession.
The dismissals sparked a collapse that reduced the Shaheens to 62/5 inside eight overs. Saad Masood and Ghori then rebuilt through a crucial 47-run stand for the sixth wicket. Masood made a patient 22, while Ghori anchored the innings with an unbeaten 39 off 36 balls.
A late flourish came from Ahmed Daniyal, whose rapid 22 off eight deliveries—including three sixes—pushed the total past 150. Pramod Madushan spearheaded Sri Lanka A’s bowling attack with 4 wickets, supported by Mathew’s three-wicket haul.
