Pakistan A booked their spot in the Asia Cup Rising Stars Final after edging Sri Lanka A by just 5 runs in a tense semi-final at the West End Park Stadium. The match went down to the final over, keeping both camps on edge.
Batting first, Pakistan A posted 153/9, a total built on grit rather than glamour. The openers started briskly, but a sudden collapse pushed Pakistan to 62/5, raising serious concerns.
From there, wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori held the innings together with a calm and crucial 39 off 36 balls*, stitching a 47-run partnership with Saad Masood to pull Pakistan back into the contest.
In the final overs, pacer Ahmed Daniyal produced the game-changing cameo — 22 off just 8 balls, including three towering sixes, giving Pakistan a defendable score.
Sri Lanka A’s chase started with intent but lost shape in the middle overs. Despite a late fightback, they could only reach 148/9, falling short by a whisker. The scoreboard pressure and Pakistan’s tight bowling at the death proved decisive.
Top Performers – Pakistan A
Ghazi Ghori — 39* (36)
Ahmed Daniyal — 22 (8), 3 sixes
Sufiyan Muqeem & Saad Masood — key wickets in middle overs
Top Performers – Sri Lanka A
Lasith Croospulle — 27 (7 balls, 3 sixes)
Vishen Halambage — 29
Pramod Madushan — 4/
Pakistan A now march confidently into the final, boosted by a win that reflects their temperament, depth, and composure under pressure.
