In a nail-biting semi-final of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025, the Pakistan Shaheens held their nerve to defeat Sri Lanka A by five runs and advance to the final.  On Friday, the drama unfolded at Doha’s West End Park International Cricket Stadium, as a contest of shifting momentum ended with the Shaheens emerging victorious in the final moments.

The Match Story

Sri Lanka A won the toss and chose to bowl first, giving the Shaheens a target of 154 after Pakistan scored 153 for 9 in 20 overs. 

Pakistan’s innings began shakily, with the team falling to 62 for 5, under pressure early on.  However, a sixth-wicket partnership between Ghazi Ghori (39* off 36) and Saad Masood (22 off 25) helped the Shaheens post a defendable total. 

A late flourish from Ahmed Daniyal (22 off 8, with three sixes) lifted the total to a competitive 153 / 9.

Sri Lanka A appeared to be in command early on in their chase of 154.  Openers Lasith Croospulle (27 off 7, with two fours and three sixes) and Vishen Halambage (29 off 27) set the pace. 

However, the Shaheens responded with wrist-spinners Sufyan Moqim (3-12) and Saad Masood (3-18), chaining wickets at crucial moments and derailing Sri Lanka’s momentum.

Sri Lanka’s innings sank to 99-8 at one point, but then came a rally: No. 8 batter Milan Rathnayake (40 off 32) teamed with Traveen Mathew for a 47-run partnership that brought their team back into contention. But with 15 runs needed off the final over, the pressure proved too much. A pinpoint yorker trapped Rathnayake LBW, and Sri Lanka fell short on the final ball. Pakistan grasped the win by five runs.

What It Means

This victory strengthens the Shaheens’ belief.  They will now face Bangladesh A in the final on Sunday (November 23) at the same venue, aiming for their first T20 tournament victory (they won the 50-over format in 2019 and 2023). 

The victory demonstrates the depth of Pakistan’s ‘A’ cricket setup: even when their top order faltered, they recovered, posted a defendable total, and kept their cool in the dying moments.

Sri Lanka A is in distress: after a strong start, their middle and lower-order collapse cost them dearly.  Rathnayake’s late charge almost got them over the line, but it fell just short.  They will reflect on the missed opportunity.

Key Takeaways

Bowling discipline won it: Following Sri Lanka’s explosive start, Pakistan’s wrist-spin combo of Moqim and Masood turned the game in their favour.

Banking on all-round contributions: Pakistan’s batting may not have been fluent, but timely partnerships and a late surge propelled them to 153.

Momentum swings are important: from Sri Lanka’s bright start to a shaky middle order to a late surge, the match swung several times.

Composure under pressure: Defending 153, the Shaheens kept their cool when it counted most, particularly in the final over.

Looking Ahead

The finale promises to be a thrilling showdown.  Pakistan Shaheens will take confidence from this victory and hope to carry it into the title match.  Bangladesh A will be determined to exploit any complacency.  For cricket fans, this semi-final reminded them that in T20s, the game lasts until the last ball, and even a seemingly comfortable lead can be lost.

This victory strengthens the narrative surrounding Pakistan’s emerging talent, demonstrating that the next generation is ready to step up.  Meanwhile, Sri Lanka A will look to rebound—sport is nothing if not about second chances.