By Asif Naveed
Sports Desk (MNN); Pakistan Shaheens successfully defended a modest total of 125 to beat Bangladesh ‘A’ in a thrilling Super Over and retained their Asia Cup Rising Stars title at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha on Sunday night.
The final was a rollercoaster lasting just 40 minutes. Pakistan were bowled out for 125 after another top-order collapse, but their spinners tore through Bangladesh ‘A’, reducing them to 53 for 7.
A 43-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Rakibul Hasan and SM Meherob revived Bangladesh’s hopes. Three massive sixes from Abdul Gaffar Saqlain in the 19th over forced the match into a Super Over.
In the Super Over, Ahmed Daniyal bowled out both Bangladesh batters in the first four balls, restricting them to six runs. Pakistan’s chase was secured when Saad Masood hit a flicked four off the third legal delivery, clinching a memorable victory.
Earlier, Pakistan struggled with the bat on a tricky two-paced pitch, losing Yasir Khan run-out on the first ball and Mohammad Faiq bowled soon after. Ghazi Ghori’s poor shot left Pakistan at 25 for 3 in the powerplay. Only Arafat Minhas (25) and Saad Masood’s 38 off 26 balls offered resistance.
Bangladesh spinners restricted the middle overs, with Rakibul taking 2-16 and Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby conceding just 17 runs from four overs. Ripon Mondol then decimated the lower order in the 19th over, taking three wickets for two runs.
Chasing 126, Bangladesh started well at 36 for 1, but Pakistan spinners turned the game. Sufiyan Muqeem was unplayable, finishing with 3-11 from four overs. At 53 for 7, Pakistan seemed in control, but Rakibul and Meherob added 37 crucial runs, keeping Bangladesh alive.
The climax came in the last two overs as Shahid Aziz hit three sixes off Saqlain. In the final over, Daniyal’s composed bowling allowed just three runs and two byes off the first five balls. A leg-bye off the last delivery resulted in a tie, giving Pakistan victory in the Super Over.
