India vs Pakistan HIGHLIGHTS Asia Cup Rising Stars: No handshakes as PAK beat IND by 8 wickets
In a stunning turn of events, India A suffered a dramatic collapse to lose to Pakistan Shaheens by eight wickets in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament. The match, held on Sunday, saw Pakistan chase down a modest target of 137 with 40 balls to spare, securing their second successive victory. Meanwhile, India A, after a strong start, suffered their first defeat of the campaign, following a big win against the UAE in their opener.
Pakistan Shaheens Bowl India A Out for 136
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Pakistan Shaheens staged a remarkable comeback, bowling out India A for just 136 runs. India A appeared in control at 91 for 3 in the 10th over, but a sudden and inexplicable collapse saw them lose eight wickets for just 35 runs in the last 10 overs. The middle and lower order failed to make any significant contribution, leaving the team with a target far lower than what seemed likely midway through the innings.
Teen sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who had been in superb form, was the top scorer for India A with a blistering 45 off 28 balls, including five boundaries and three sixes. Naman Dhir also contributed a quickfire 35 from 20 balls. However, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by medium pacer Shahid Aziz (3/24), and supported by Saad Masood and Maaz Sadaqat (who claimed two wickets each), tightened their grip, restricting India A from building on their solid start.
Maaz Sadaqat Steers Pakistan Shaheens to Victory
In reply, Maaz Sadaqat played a match-winning knock for Pakistan, remaining unbeaten on 79 off 47 balls. His innings included seven fours and four sixes, and he was dropped once when Vaibhav Suryavanshi dropped a sitter at point. Despite the early wicket of Yasir Khan (caught off Suyash Sharma for 11), Sadaqat’s calculated and aggressive batting saw Pakistan Shaheens cruise past the target with ease, reaching 137/2 in just 13.2 overs.
India A’s First Defeat
India A’s top order had set the tone for a much bigger total, but the dramatic collapse left them stranded at just 136. Despite a strong start, the team failed to capitalize, and the Pakistan Shaheens’ disciplined bowling proved too much to handle.
