Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Afridi praised Pakistan A for their brilliant performance against India A in the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 match in Doha on Sunday. The left-arm fast bowler described the win over their neighbors in the T20 format continental tournament as a “big achievement”.
Pakistan topped Group B at the Shaheens Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 after defeating India A by eight wickets in Doha. All-rounder Maaz Sadaqat took two wickets and then scored an unbeaten half-century in the chase. Pakistan team secured the victory by achieving the target in just 13.2 overs.
This is a big achievement for us – Shaheen Afridi
Pakistan Shaheen qualified for the semi-finals after victory over India A. Shaheen Afridi described the result as a great achievement, especially considering the rivalry between the two sides.
“Pakistan Shaheens won against our neighbours, so it is a big achievement for us,” Shaheen Afridi was quoted as saying by Times of India.
India A opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored 45 runs in 28 balls with the help of five fours and three sixes. Naman Dhir added 35 runs in 20 balls, which included six fours and a six. However, the middle order faltered due to pressure from Shahid Aziz and Saad Masood.
Shahid took three wickets, while Masood and Maaz Sadaqat took two wickets each. After this, Sadaqat secured the victory of Shaheens by scoring 79 runs in 47 balls. Yash Thakur and Suyyash Sharma took one wicket each for India A.
Winning the series 3-0, always being happy – Shaheen Afridi
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 in the three-match ODI series. Shaheen Afridi said that the team’s rotation strategy is working well. Afridi also said that the players who were waiting on the bench performed impressively.
“Always happy to win the series 3-0. As I said during the first game, everyone is confident. They have been in good touch since the South Africa series. All 15 players should be ready for any game. The rotation policy is good for us,” the captain said.
“Credit goes to them. He was sitting on the bench but he still worked. He also played domestic cricket, bowled well to them. They are wicket-taking bowlers. The way Wasim Junior came back after injury. They both are match-winners for the team,” he said.
Pakistan chased 211 runs with six wickets remaining
Pakistan achieved the target of 211 runs with six wickets remaining. Fakhar Zaman scored 55 runs in 45 balls, while Mohammad Rizwan added 61 not out in 92 balls. Sri Lanka removed Babar Azam and Salman Aga in quick succession, but it was not enough to defend the target.
Earlier, Pakistan restricted Sri Lanka to 211 runs with the help of three wickets of Mohammad Wasim. Haris Rauf and Faisal Akram took two wickets each. Sadira Samarawickrama scored 48, but regular wickets prevented Sri Lanka from making a competitive score.
They were reduced from 143 for 4 to 193 for 8 before debutant Pawan Rathnayake scored 32 runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Faheem Ashraf took one wicket each, resulting in Sri Lanka being all out in 45.2 overs.
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