Pakistan Shahins will take on Bangladesh A in the Rising Stars Asia Cup final on Sunday after edging past Sri Lanka A by just five runs in a thrilling second semi-final.
Batting first in Doha, Pakistan Shahins posted 153 runs for 9 wickets in their 20 overs. Ghazi Ghouri remained unbeaten on 39, while Muaz Siddiqui scored 23 and both Ahmed Daniyal and Saad Masood contributed 22 runs each. Sri Lanka A’s Pramod Madhushan and Travin Mathew took four and three wickets respectively to keep the contest tight.
Chasing 154, Sri Lanka A fought hard but fell short, scoring 148 for 9 in 20 overs. Milan Rathnayake top-scored with 40 for Sri Lanka A, while Pakistan’s Saad Masood and Sufyan Muqeem shone with the ball, taking three wickets each.
With this narrow five-run victory, Pakistan Shahins advanced to the final, setting up a showdown with Bangladesh A, who secured their place in the final earlier. The championship clash promises to be an exciting contest between two of the region’s emerging cricket stars.
