Pakistan Shaheens booked their place in the Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship final after pulling off a thrilling five-run win against Sri Lanka A in the second semi-final on Friday at West End Park.
Pakistan will now take on Bangladesh A in the tournament final on Sunday.
Defending a modest target of 154, Pakistan’s bowlers held their nerve during a tense finish. Sri Lanka A made a fiery start, smashing 29 runs in the first two overs thanks to Lasith Croospulle’s explosive 27 off just seven balls. Shahid Aziz ended the early charge by removing him in the second over.
Vishen Halambage tried to stabilise the innings with partnerships alongside Nishan Madushka and Nuwanidu Fernando. But when Sufiyan Muqeem dismissed him for 29, Sri Lanka A collapsed from 70/3 to 99/8 in a little over five overs.
Milan Rathnayake kept the chase alive with a fighting 40 off 32 balls. Sri Lanka A needed just eight runs off the last four balls, but Pakistan’s bowlers held firm and restricted them to 148/9.
Muqeem and Saad Masood were the top performers with the ball, taking three wickets each. Ahmed Daniyal, Shahid Aziz, and Ubaid Shah claimed one wicket each.
Earlier, Pakistan Shaheens posted 153/9 after being put in to bat. Openers Mohammad Naeem and Maaz Sadaqat started strong with a 30-run stand. Sadaqat smashed 23 off 11 balls, while Naeem struck three boundaries before both fell in quick succession.
Their dismissals triggered a collapse to 62/5 inside eight overs. Saad Masood and Ghori rebuilt the innings through a crucial 47-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Masood scored 22, while Ghori anchored the innings with an unbeaten 39 off 36 balls.
Ahmed Daniyal added a late boost with a rapid 22 off eight balls, including three sixes, helping Pakistan cross 150. For Sri Lanka A, Pramod Madushan impressed with four wickets, and Mathew supported with three.
Pakistan Shaheens now move forward with momentum as they prepare for Sunday’s championship clash.
