Rising Stars Asia Cup: Pakistan Shaheens steamroll India A, chase 137 in 13 overs; Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s fight not enough

Pakistan Shaheens decisively defeated India A by eight wickets in the Rising Stars Asia Cup. Chasing a modest 137, the Shaheens reached the target in just 13.2 overs, thanks to an outstanding unbeaten 79 from Maaz Sadaqat. India A's innings faltered after a promising start, with Shahid Aziz taking three wickets for the victors.

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NEW DELHI: Pakistan Shaheens crushed India A by eight wickets in the Rising Stars Asia Cup match on Sunday, chasing down a target of 137 in just 13.2 overs, with 40 balls to spare. India A batted first, and for a while it looked like they might post something competitive. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, coming off his record hundred in the previous match, was in charge at the crease, carving 45 off 28 balls. Naman Dhir added 35 off 20. But after 91 for 3, India A’s innings fell apart, losing seven wickets for 45 runs. Shahid Aziz picked up 3, while Saad Masood and Maaz Sadaqat chipped in with two each. Suryavanshi was playing his usual attacking game—fours, sixes, strike rate over 160—but he went for one too many. Sufiyan Muqeem delivered a ball that found long-on, and Mohammad Faiq held on, giving Pakistan Shaheens the breakthrough that tilted the game. Opener Maaz Sadaqat top-scored for Shaheens with an unbeaten 47-ball 79, capping off an excellent outing for him after taking two wickets with his left-arm spin bowling. During his knock, Sadaqat struck seven fours and four sixes while also getting a life when Vaibhav Suryavanshi dropped a sitter at point. Sadaqat also won the Player of the Match award.Brief scores: India A: 136 all out in 19 overs (Vaibhav Suryavanshi 45, Naman Dhir 35; Shahid Aziz 3/24) Pakistan Shaheens: 137/2 in 13.2 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 79 not out)

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