Doha, Qatar – India A secured their place in the semi-finals of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Emerging Teams Under-23 Tournament, defeating Oman A by six wickets at the West End Pak International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. The victory ensures India A advances as the runner-up in Group B, continuing their campaign in the Asia Cup Rising Stars T20 competition. Pakistan Shaheens also dominated, crushing the United Arab Emirates and finishing atop their group.
The match saw a composed batting performance from India A, successfully chasing down a target of 136 set by Oman A. Harsh Dubey’s unbeaten half-century proved crucial, supported by contributions from the top order. This result eliminates both Oman A and the UAE from contention in the tournament.
India A Advance in Asia Cup Rising Stars T20
Oman A, electing to bat first, experienced a mixed innings. Captain Hammad Mirza provided a quick start with a brisk 32 off 16 balls, but the middle order struggled to maintain the momentum after his departure. Wasim Ali emerged as the key performer for Oman A, scoring a patient 54 off 45 balls to anchor the innings and bring their total to 135 for 7.
India A’s bowling attack, led by Suyash Sharma (2 for 12) and Gurjapneet Singh (2 for 37), effectively restricted Oman A’s scoring. Sharma’s economical spell and Singh’s crucial wickets played a significant role in limiting the opposition’s total. The disciplined bowling performance set the stage for a comfortable chase.
Despite losing early wickets, India A remained on course thanks to a 30-run contribution from Naman Dhir and, ultimately, Dubey’s steady hand. Dubey’s unbeaten 53 off 44 balls guided the team, and captain Jitesh Sharma finished the match with a boundary, sealing the win in the 18th over with 13 balls to spare.
Pakistan Shaheens’ Dominant Performance
Earlier in the day, Pakistan Shaheens showcased their strength with a commanding victory over the UAE. Choosing to bowl first, their bowlers dismantled the UAE batting lineup, restricting them to a meager 59 all out in 18 overs. Sufiyan Muqeem was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for just 12 runs.
Ahmed Daniyal and Maaz Sadaqat also contributed with two wickets each, demonstrating the depth of the Pakistan Shaheens’ bowling attack. The UAE struggled to build partnerships, with only Syed Muhammad Haider Shah (20 off 19) and Mohammed Faraazuddin (12 not out) offering any resistance.
Pakistan Shaheens’ chase was swift and decisive. Despite losing an early wicket, Maaz Sadaqat’s explosive unbeaten innings of 37 off 15 balls, featuring four fours and three sixes, propelled them to victory. Ghazi Ghori added a quick 16 off 12 balls, ensuring a comfortable nine-wicket win with a significant number of overs remaining.
The ACC Men’s Asia Cup Emerging Teams Under-23 Tournament serves as a platform for young cricketers to gain experience and showcase their talent. The competition provides valuable exposure to international conditions and helps identify potential future stars for the Asian cricketing nations. This year’s tournament is being held in Doha, Qatar, offering a neutral venue for the participating teams.
The semi-final matchups are now set, with Pakistan Shaheens expected to be the favorites given their dominant group stage performance. The exact schedule for the semi-finals and final is yet to be announced by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), but is anticipated within the next 24-48 hours. The focus will be on how India A adapts to potentially tougher opposition and whether other teams can mount a challenge to Pakistan’s strong form.
Further details about the tournament, including scores, schedules, and team standings, are available on the official ACC website.
