Pakistan edge Bangladesh in Super Over to clinch third title

Bangla Press Desk:   Pakistan Shaheens held their nerve in a tense Super Over to defeat Bangladesh A and lift their third Rising Stars Asia Cup title in Doha on Sunday, after the final ended in a dramatic tie with both teams scoring 125 in regulation play.

Batting first in the Super Over, Bangladesh sent Habibur Rahman Sohan and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain — the latter fresh off two sixes in the main innings despite batting at No. 10. But Bangladesh’s hopes faded quickly.

Sohan took a single off the first ball from Ahmed Daniyal, before Saqlain was dismissed caught-and-bowled off the next delivery. A wide that raced to the fence offered some relief, but new batter Jishan Alam was bowled immediately after. Bangladesh managed only 6 runs with three balls unused.

Chasing seven, Pakistan’s Saad Masood and Maaz Sadaqat held their composure against Ripon Mondol. A leg-bye single and a gentle push for another run brought the target within reach. Masood then flicked a low full toss for four, and a single off the next ball sealed the victory with two deliveries remaining.

Earlier, chasing Pakistan’s 125, Bangladesh A suffered a collapse and were reeling at 53 for 7 inside 11 overs. Rakibul Hasan (24 off 21) and SM Meherob (19 off 21) revived the chase with a crucial 37-run stand, giving Bangladesh a glimmer of hope.

But their quick dismissals left Bangladesh needing 30 off the final 16 balls. The last-wicket pair — Saqlain (16 off 12) and Ripon Mondol (11 off 9) — nearly pulled off a remarkable heist, taking the match to the final ball. With 7 needed in the last over, the pair managed 6, leaving the scores level and forcing a Super Over.

Pakistan's Sufiyan Muqeem starred with 3 for 11, while Ahmed Daniyal and Arafat Minhas picked up two wickets each.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh captain Akbar Ali elected to bowl, and his decision paid immediate dividends. Pakistan were rocked early when Yasir Khan was run out off the first ball of the match. Mohammad Faiq also fell for a duck, and Ghazi Ghori’s dismissal for 9 left the Shaheens wobbling at 25 for 3.

A brief counterattack came from Maaz Sadaqat (23 off 18) and Arafat Minhas (25 off 23), but neither could extend their innings. The bulk of Pakistan’s total came from middle-order batter Saad Masood, who top-scored with a powerful 38 off 26, hitting three fours and three sixes before falling in the 19th over.

Ripon Mondol led Bangladesh’s bowling with an excellent 3 for 25. Rakibul Hasan impressed with 2 for 16, while Jishan Alam, S.M. Meherob, and Saqlain also chipped in.

Despite a spirited late fightback and a thrilling finish, Bangladesh A fell just short as Pakistan Shaheens lifted their third crown in seven editions of the tournament.

BP/TD