The Rising Stars Asia Cup just delivered its most one-sided thriller yet. In a match that was over before many had even settled in, the Pakistan Shaheens sent a powerful message to the rest of the tournament by steamrolling India A by a massive eight wickets in Doha. The contest, held on November 16, 2025, was a masterclass in finishing, with the Shaheens chasing down India A’s modest total of 136 with a staggering 38 balls to spare .
The second match of Group B in the Rising Stars Asia Cup turned into a walkover for the Pakistan Shaheens. After restricting India A to 136 all out, their chase was a brutal exhibition of power-hitting. Openers Maaz Sadaqat and Habibur Rahman Sohan made a mockery of the target, putting on a 117-run partnership before Sohan’s dismissal. The job was finished in a mere 13.2 overs, handing India A a sobering reality check .
If there was a player of the tournament so far, Maaz Sadaqat’s name is etched at the top. Following up his explosive 96* in the opening game against Oman, Sadaqat was at it again. His unbeaten 79 off just 47 balls against India A was a blend of elegant strokeplay and brutal power .
His innings was studded with boundaries and showcased a maturity beyond his years. He didn’t just chase the target; he dismantled India A’s bowling attack with contemptuous ease. This performance cements his status as one of the most exciting young talents to watch in the Rising Stars Asia Cup .
India A’s innings started with promise. The young sensation, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who had smashed a record-breaking 144 against the UAE in their previous outing, looked in good touch once again . He top-scored for his side with a fighting 45 off 28 balls, providing the early impetus .
However, after Suryavanshi’s dismissal, the innings completely lost its way. The team went from a comfortable 91/2 to being bundled out for a meager 136 . The middle order failed to provide any meaningful resistance against the disciplined bowling from the Shaheens, turning what could have been a competitive total into a sitting duck.
While Sadaqat was the star with the bat, the foundation for victory was laid by the bowlers, led by the impressive Shahid Aziz. The right-arm medium pacer was the pick of the bowlers, claiming a crucial three-wicket haul for just 24 runs from his four overs .
His ability to break key partnerships and create pressure in the middle overs was instrumental in India A’s dramatic collapse. He was ably supported by Sadaqat himself, who chipped in with two wickets, and Saad Masood, who also took two . This collective bowling effort showcased the depth in the Pakistan Shaheens’ squad.
This emphatic victory has firmly established the Pakistan Shaheens as serious contenders for the Rising Stars Asia Cup title. They now have two commanding wins from two matches, demonstrating a perfect blend of explosive batting and disciplined bowling. For India A, this is a major setback. They will need to regroup quickly and address their middle-order frailties if they are to stay in contention in this prestigious tournament for emerging talent. This match also highlights the incredible pipeline of young cricketers in the Asian subcontinent, a trend we’ve been tracking closely in our [INTERNAL_LINK:U-19 Cricket] coverage.
The clash between Pakistan Shaheens and India A was less of a contest and more of a statement from the Pakistani side. Maaz Sadaqat’s brilliance with the bat and Shahid Aziz’s control with the ball were the defining factors in a comprehensive 8-wicket victory. While Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s fight for India A was commendable, it was ultimately a lone hand in a top-order failure. As the Rising Stars Asia Cup progresses, all eyes will be on whether any team can mount a challenge to the dominant Shaheens.
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