You know, some cricket matches are just games. And then there are finals like this one—a pulsating, heart-stopping rollercoaster that reminds you why you love the sport. The grand finale of the ACC Mens Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 in Doha was an absolute cracker, a true testament to the raw talent bubbling just beneath the surface of international cricket. It had everything: a low-scoring thriller, a shocking collapse, a heroic fightback, and ultimately, a Super Over to decide the champion.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Pakistan A secured their historic third title in the ACC Mens Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025.
- ✓ The final against Bangladesh A was decided by a nail-biting Super Over after both teams scored 125 runs.
- ✓ Ahmed Daniyal was the hero of the day, named Player of the Match for his clutch bowling in the final over and the Super Over.
- ✓ Bangladesh A suffered a dramatic collapse, tumbling from 22/0 to 53/7 before fighting their way back into the game.
- ✓ Maaz Sadaqat of Pakistan A was crowned the Player of the Series for his consistent performance throughout the tournament.
A Tough Pitch and a Modest Total
Let's set the scene at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium. Pakistan A, the only unbeaten team in the tournament, came in as the favorites. But batting first, they found themselves in a real scrap. The wicket was tough, offering plenty of grip for the spinners, which made scoring a nightmare. Thanks to some really disciplined bowling from the Bangladesh A attack, Pakistan could only muster a total of 125 in their 20 overs.
At the halfway mark, you'd have forgiven anyone for thinking Bangladesh A had one hand on the trophy. A target of 126 in a final? You’d take that every day of the week. But as Pakistan captain Irfan Khan mentioned later, they never lost faith. He knew the wicket was just as suitable for his own spinners and had full confidence in his bowling unit to defend what seemed like a subpar total.
The Collapse That Shook the Chase
Bangladesh A started their chase positively, cruising to 22 without loss. It looked like a straightforward run chase. But then, the pressure of a grand finale on a tricky surface started to show. Pakistan’s spinners, just as their captain predicted, began to weave their magic. What followed was nothing short of a catastrophe for the batting side. Wickets began to tumble in an astonishing procession.
The scoreboard went from a healthy 22/0 to a disastrous 53/7. It was a complete meltdown. Spinner Sufiyan Muqeem was particularly brilliant, delivering a dream spell that included two wickets in a single over. He removed Rabby and then sent Mritunjoy back for a duck. In overs 7 and 8, Muqeem and Sadaqat ripped the heart out of the chase, even dismissing the Bangladeshi skipper Akbar Ali with a sharp wrong'un.
Just when it seemed all over, Rakibul Hasan decided he wasn't going down without a fight. He came out swinging, smashing three boundaries in the 12th over to inject some much-needed momentum back into the innings. He and SM Meherob started to build a partnership, taking the game deep and giving their dugout a tiny glimmer of hope. But the pressure kept mounting, and both fell trying to play big shots, leaving their team in a precarious position.
A Finale for the Ages
Somehow, Bangladesh A clawed their way back. With just one wicket remaining, they needed an improbable 27 runs from the last 12 balls. It felt like Pakistan's game to lose. But then, Shahid Aziz bowled the penultimate over, and it went for a massive 20 runs, including two sixes from Ripon Mondol. Suddenly, the impossible seemed possible. The equation was down to just 7 runs needed off the final over.
Ahmed Daniyal had the ball in his hand. He bowled a good over under immense pressure, but on the second-to-last ball, he missed a crucial run-out chance off his own bowling. That single misfield was the difference. The scores were tied at 125, and the game was heading to a Super Over. You just couldn't write a more dramatic script.
The Super Over Showdown
After fumbling the run-out, Daniyal had a chance at redemption. His captain trusted him with the ball for the Super Over, a decision that would prove to be match-winning. Bangladesh sent out Habibur and Saqlain to bat. Daniyal started with a skiddy back-of-a-length delivery for a single. His next ball was a shortish one that Saqlain top-edged, and Daniyal took a calm, well-judged catch himself. One wicket down.
Then, a moment of chaos. Daniyal lost his radar and sent a delivery flying down the leg side for five wides. But he immediately composed himself. On the very next legal delivery, he bowled a skiddy, seaming ball that crashed into Jishan's stumps. Two wickets, and Bangladesh's over was done. They had managed to set a target of just 7 runs for Pakistan to win the title.
Out came Saad Masood and Maaz Sadaqat for Pakistan. Facing Ripon Mondol, they needed 7 to win. After a leg bye and a single, the equation was 5 from 4 balls. Then, on the third delivery, Masood cleared his front leg and dragged a full ball through backward square leg for a boundary. The scores were level! With just one run needed, Masood got an inside edge on the next ball that scurried past the stumps to fine leg. And that was it. The Pakistani players rushed in from the dugout, mobbing their heroes in a moment of pure elation.
Words from the Warriors
The man of the hour, Ahmed Daniyal, was immense. Despite a slight niggle, he delivered when it mattered most. "Injury doesn't matter, we played well as a team and we have to perform," he said. His self-belief was incredible: "Before the Super over, I told my skipper to trust me and told him that I will do it for my team." And he certainly did.
For Bangladesh captain Akbar Ali, it was a case of what could have been. He was proud of his team's fight but lamented their batting. "In terms of shot-selection we weren't good enough, we can only blame ourselves actually," he admitted. Despite the heartbreak, he was proud of his young squad, which even included two players yet to play U-19 cricket.
Conclusion
In the end, it was Pakistan A who stood tall, the deserved champions and the only team to go unbeaten through the tournament. This victory marked their third Asia Cup Rising Stars title, a testament to their dominance and the depth of their cricketing talent. They held their nerve when it mattered most, proving that experience in high-pressure situations is priceless. Bangladesh A gave them a real run for their money and can hold their heads high, showcasing a fighting spirit that won many hearts. What a game, and what a fantastic showcase of Asia's next generation of cricketing stars!
