Shaheens Clinch Thriller to Reach Asia Cup Rising Stars Final
Pakistan Shaheens clinched thriller status on Friday after a dramatic five-run win over Sri Lanka A. The result pushed them into the Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship final. The match kept fans engaged until the last ball.
A Fierce Semi-Final Battle
The game in West End Park delivered non-stop tension. Pakistan’s spinners stepped up early and set the tone. As a result, the team now prepares to face Bangladesh A in Sunday’s final.
Sri Lanka A began the chase with intent. They smashed 29 runs in the first two overs. Lasith Croospulle led the burst with a fiery 27 off seven balls. However, Shahid Aziz ended the charge by removing him in the second over.
Vishen Halambage tried to rebuild the innings. He added small but steady stands with Nishan Madushka and Nuwanidu Fernando. In addition, he looked set for a longer stay. Yet Sufiyan Muqeem dismissed him for 29, and the collapse began. Sri Lanka A dropped from 70/3 to 99/8 within minutes.
Milan Rathnayake fought back with a brave 40 off 32 balls. Sri Lanka A needed just eight runs from the last four deliveries. However, Pakistan’s bowlers stayed calm and stopped them at 148/9.
Shaheens Build a Defendable Total
Earlier, Pakistan posted 153/9 after a quick start. Mohammad Naeem and Maaz Sadaqat powered a 30-run opening stand. Both fell soon after, and the team slipped to 62/5. Therefore, the middle order had to rebuild
Saad Masood and Ghori added a vital 47-run partnership. Ghori stayed unbeaten with a composed 39 off 36 balls. In addition, Ahmed Daniyal lifted the total with a rapid 22 from eight deliveries. Sri Lanka A’s Pramod Madushan claimed four wickets and led their attack.
