Pakistan cricket fans have a big reason to smile! The Pakistan Shaheens — also known as Pakistan’s A team — have once again shown that the country’s cricket future is in safe hands.

On a thrilling Sunday in Doha, the young Shaheens won the Asia Cup Rising Stars title after beating Bangladesh A in a nail-biting finish that had fans on the edge of their seats.

The match was played at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Qatar’s capital, and it turned out to be one of the most exciting games of the tournament. The Shaheens defended a modest total of just 125 runs, but they held their nerves, pushed the game into a super over and won the trophy for a record third time!

A final full of twists

Both teams fought hard. First, Pakistan Shaheens struggled and managed to score only 125 runs. Then Bangladesh A also struggled, but just when the match seemed to be slipping away, their players Rakibul Hasan and SM Meherob stitched together a brave 43-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Their effort tied the game, sending it into a super over.

And that’s where Pakistan’s pacer Ahmed Daniyal stepped up like a superhero.

He bowled brilliantly, giving away only six runs in the super over. In reply, the Shaheens........

© Dawn Young Magazine