Doha, Nov 17: India A endured a stunning batting collapse as Pakistan A clinched a dominant eight-wicket win in the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 in Doha on Sunday. The highly anticipated clash between the arch-rivals turned into a one-sided affair after India A squandered a strong start to be bowled out for a modest 136.
Opting to field first after winning the toss, Pakistan A made early inroads but India A appeared in control at 91 for 3 by the 10th over. What followed, however, was a dramatic meltdown. The Indian middle and lower order crumbled under relentless pressure, losing seven wickets for just 45 runs.
Pakistan A’s bowlers triggered the collapse with disciplined lines and clever variations, giving India A no breathing space. From a position of strength, India A were eventually dismissed with four overs left unused — a far cry from their explosive performance in the tournament opener against UAE.
Chasing 137, Pakistan A looked completely untroubled. Their top order delivered with authority, stitching steady partnerships and rotating the strike efficiently. The chase was wrapped up with 40 balls to spare, underlining Pakistan A’s dominance and handing them their second successive win of the tournament.
India A, who entered the match as favourites following their massive opening-game victory, were left stunned by their own downward spiral. Despite a promising start with the ball, they failed to maintain pressure as Pakistan A calmly steered towards victory.
The result also shakes up the points table, with Pakistan A solidifying their position at the top, while India A suffer their first defeat of the campaign.
