Pakistan Shaheens emerged victorious in the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 after a thrilling super over against Bangladesh A at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium. The final proved to be a tense contest, with both teams finishing on 125 runs in regulation overs, pushing the match into a super over. Pakistan chased down the seven-run target in the decisive over, with Saad Masood hitting a crucial boundary on the fourth ball to secure the trophy for the Shaheens.
Bangladesh had started their innings confidently, with Habibur Rahman Sohan and Jishan Alam putting together 22 runs in the first three overs. However, Pakistan’s Arafat Minhas quickly shifted momentum by dismissing Alam lbw and removing Habibur soon after, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 36-3. Mahidul Islam Ankon was dismissed for a duck, while Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly the spinners, continued to dominate, reducing Bangladesh to 53-7 midway through their innings.
Despite the collapse, Bangladesh showed resilience with a 37-run partnership between Ripon Mondol and SM Meherob, pushing the team closer to 100 and forcing Pakistan to maintain focus. Meherob was eventually dismissed for 19, but Abdul Gaffar Saqlain’s late surge of three sixes off Shahid Aziz brought Bangladesh back into contention. Saqlain scored 16 off 12 balls, taking Bangladesh to 125-9 and setting up a dramatic super over.
Pakistan’s batting had also faced early challenges. Yasir Khan fell for a golden duck, followed quickly by Mohammad Faiq, leaving the Shaheens at 2-2 in just two overs. Ghazi Ghori and Maaz Sadaqat attempted to rebuild the innings, but Ghori managed only nine runs from 14 balls before his dismissal. Bangladesh continued to strike through the middle overs, leaving Pakistan at 49-4 by the seventh over.
The match highlighted Pakistan’s composure under pressure and the depth of their young talent, with the Shaheens ultimately clinching the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 in a nail-biting finish that showcased thrilling batting, strategic bowling, and resilient performances on both sides.