Doha, Nov 24 (V7N) – Bangladesh ‘A’ cricket team once again fell short against Pakistan in the Rising Stars Asia Cup final in Doha, echoing the painful memory of their 2019 Emerging Asia Cup loss. Chasing a modest target of 126 runs, Bangladesh managed to tie the match after 20 overs but succumbed in the super over, losing the title for the third time in the tournament’s history.

In the super over, Bangladesh scored only six runs off the bat of Habibur Rahman Sohan and Abdul Gaffar Sakline, after Sakline was dismissed on the second ball. Pakistan’s Shaheen reached the target in just four balls under Ripon Mondal’s bowling, securing victory.

During the main innings, Bangladesh suffered early setbacks, losing four wickets for 44 runs despite useful contributions from Sohan (26) and Jisan (6). National team player Mahidul Islam Ankon was dismissed for a duck, while captain Akbar Ali (2) and Yasir Ali Rabbio (8) failed to stabilize the innings.

In the final two overs, Sakline and Mondal revived the chase with three consecutive sixes, scoring 20 runs and bringing the match to a tie. Bangladesh finished with Sakline unbeaten on 16 and Mondal on 11, yet could not force a win.

Earlier, Bangladesh had restricted Pakistan to 125 runs, with Ripon Mondal taking three wickets, Rakibul Hasan two, and a strong fielding effort including a run-out by Sakline. Pakistan’s top scorer was Sad Masud with 38 runs.

Despite a spirited fight, Bangladesh ‘A’ were unable to claim the Rising Stars Asia Cup, with Pakistan lifting the trophy for the third time.

END/WD/SMA/