Wow. Just, wow. I'm still trying to catch my breath after what we just witnessed in the ACC Mens Asia Cup Rising Stars semi-final. If you were looking for a script that even Hollywood couldn't write, this was it. A match that twisted, turned, and refused to end, culminating in a heart-stopping Super Over that saw Bangladesh A snatch victory from the jaws of what felt like certain defeat. This wasn't just a cricket match; it was an emotional rollercoaster that left everyone, myself included, completely numb.
Key Highlights
- ✓ The match was tied with both India A and Bangladesh A scoring 194/6 in 20 overs.
- ✓ Bangladesh A won a dramatic Super Over after India A were shockingly bowled out for 0 runs. Research findings show that
- ✓ Ripon Mondol was named Player of the Match for his incredible Super Over, taking two wickets in two balls.
- ✓ A last-ball "brainfade" from Bangladesh captain Akbar Ali sent the match into a Super Over in the first place.
- ✓ The match ended on a wide ball bowled by Suyash Sharma, giving Bangladesh the single run needed to win.
The Final Over Chaos You Had to See to Believe
Let's set the scene. India A needed 16 runs off the final over to chase down Bangladesh's 194. The pressure was immense. Rakibul Hasan had the ball, and after two singles, Ashutosh Sharma smashed a six. Then came a dropped catch that went for four, leaving India needing just 4 runs off the last two balls. It seemed like India's game to lose.
But this match wasn't about following the script. Rakibul cleaned up Ashutosh on the fifth ball with a brilliant yorker. One ball left, three runs needed for a tie. The ball was mistimed to long-on, the batters ran, and the throw came into the keeper, Bangladesh captain Akbar Ali. All he had to do was hold the ball. Instead, in a moment of pure panic, he attempted an under-arm throw at the stumps from close range and missed. The Indian batters, seeing the opportunity, scrambled back for a third run. The scores were tied. We were heading to a Super Over.
Akbar Ali later admitted his mistake, saying, "Should apologise to everyone supporting us. I knew the equation but I don't know what happened in my mind and I threw the ball. " It was a moment of sheer madness, an "epic brainfade" that gave India a lifeline they couldn't believe they had.
A Super Over Masterclass from Ripon Mondol
So, onto the tiebreaker. The momentum felt like it was with India A. But then came their first questionable decision. In a truly surprising move, they sent out captain Jitesh Sharma and Ramandeep Singh to bat, leaving their in-form teenage sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, on the sidelines. Suryavanshi, who had lit up the tournament, could only watch with his arms folded as the drama unfolded.
Bangladesh gave the ball to Ripon Mondol, and what happened next was simply sensational. On the very first ball, he delivered a perfect, pinpoint yorker. From a news perspective, Jitesh Sharma, attempting a cute reverse-lap, missed completely and was bowled. One ball, one wicket. The dream start for Bangladesh. Next up was Ashutosh Sharma, and Ripon delivered again. A full ball sliced straight to extra-cover. Two balls, two wickets. India A were all out for zero. Zero. It was a stunning display of death bowling under extreme pressure.
Ripon, deservedly named Player of the Match, was calm amidst the chaos. "Feeling so good. My mind was saying I can do this. Message from captain was to back my strength," he said. He did more than back his strength; he single-handedly put his team on the brink of the final.
The Final, Bizarre Twist
With just one run needed to win, you'd think the drama was over. But this game had one more twist in store. Bangladesh sent out Yasir Ali and Jishan Alam. Market evidence demonstrates that India gave the ball to Suyash Sharma. On the very first delivery, Yasir went for a glory shot and holed out to long-on. Suddenly, the tension was right back. This brings us to Bangladesh were 0/1. Was another collapse on the cards.
In walked captain Akbar Ali, the man whose blunder sent the game to a Super Over in the first place. He had a chance at redemption. Suyash bowled a googly down the leg side. Akbar shuffled across, completely missing the ball and exposing his stumps. For a heart-stopping second, it looked like a stumping chance, but Jitesh couldn't gather it cleanly. As the stumping chance went begging, the umpire's arm went out. Market evidence demonstrates that Wide. Bangladesh had their one run. They had won. This brings us to Akbar Ali folded his hands and looked to the sky in a prayer of pure relief as his teammates swarmed him.
Taking Stock of the Madness
When the dust settled, it was hard to make sense of it all. India A, in control for large parts of the chase, were left heartbroken. Their campaign was over. Indian captain Jitesh Sharma was gracious in defeat, taking full responsibility. "I will take all responsibility, as a senior I should finish the game. My wicket was the turning point," he reflected, also giving credit to Ripon for his magnificent 19th over in the main game.
On the other side, Bangladesh A were celebrating a scarcely believable victory that sent them to the final. Their journey in this match was a story of resilience. They fought back after a strong start from India's openers, and their lower order, particularly SM Meherob (48* off 18) and Yasir Ali, put on a blistering 50-run stand to post a competitive total. Bowlers like Raqibul Hasan also played a crucial part in keeping the pressure on. But in the end, it all came down to a few moments of madness and one man's icy composure.
Conclusion
What a game. It's important to highlight Seriously, what a game. The Bangladesh A vs India A semi-final will be remembered for its sheer unpredictability. From Akbar Ali's last-ball blunder to Ripon Mondol's heroic, two-ball demolition in the Super Over, and the final, fittingly chaotic win via a wide, it was a contest that had everything. A notable point here is It's a tough pill to swallow for India A, who fought hard but made some crucial errors when it mattered most. For Bangladesh A, it’s a story of redemption and nerve, a testament to never giving up, even when it looks like you've thrown it all away.
