Pakistan ‘A’ registered a thrilling 5-run victory over Sri Lanka ‘A’ in the second semi-final of the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 T20 Cricket Tournament, played yesterday (21st November) in Doha, Qatar, securing their place in the final of the competition.
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka ‘A’ opted to bowl first and managed to keep the Pakistan batters under pressure for most parts of the innings. Pakistan ‘A’ posted 153 runs for 9 wickets in their 20 overs, with wicket-keeper batter Ghazi Ghori anchoring the innings through an unbeaten knock of 39 off 36 deliveries, which included 2 fours and a six.
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For Sri Lanka ‘A’, speedster Pramod Madushan produced the best bowling performance, claiming 4 for 29, while mystery spinner Traveen Mathew continued his impressive form by adding 3 for 22 to his name.
Sri Lanka ‘A’ began their chase in explosive fashion as openers Lasith Croospulle and Vishen Halambage gave their side a dream start. Croospulle smashed 27 off just 7 balls with 2 fours and 3 sixes, while Halambage made 29 off 27 balls, also striking 2 fours and 3 sixes.
Their aggressive approach powered Sri Lanka ‘A’ to 67 for 2 at the end of the powerplay, putting them in a commanding position. However, the momentum quickly shifted as a dramatic batting collapse saw Sri Lanka ‘A’ lose 6 wickets for only 22 runs, with Pakistan’s spin duo Sufiyan Muqeem and Saad Masood turning the game in their favour with timely breakthroughs.
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Despite the setbacks, Sri Lanka ‘A’ found hope through No. 8 batter Milan Rathnayake, who fought valiantly to take the game deep into the final over. He displayed remarkable determination, scoring 40 off 32 balls with 5 fours and a six, keeping the chase alive when all seemed lost.
Just as Sri Lanka ‘A’ appeared to regain control, a wrong LBW decision went against Rathnayake at a critical moment, ending his resistance and leaving Sri Lanka ‘A’ 5 runs short of the target.
Pakistan ‘A’, holding their nerve in the closing stages, sealed a memorable win to book their spot in the tournament final against Bangladesh ‘A’.
Brief Scores
Pakistan ‘A’ – 153/9 (20) Ghazi Ghori 39*, Pramod Madushan 4/29, Traveen Mathew 3/22
Sri Lanka ‘A’ – 148 (20) Milan Rathnayake 40, Vishen Halambage 29, Lasith Croospulle 27, Sufiyan Muqeem 3/12, Saad Masood 3/18
Result – Pakistan ‘A’ won by 5 runs
 in Doha, Qatar, securing their place in the final of the competition. ){kind=link}