In a thrilling encounter at the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 in Doha, the much-anticipated clash between India A and Pakistan A lived up to its billing, albeit with a shocking twist. What started as a promising innings for the Indian contingent culminated in a dramatic batting collapse, leaving fans and players stunned. Pakistan A, demonstrating remarkable resilience and bowling prowess, bundled out India A for a mere 136 runs in just 19 overs, a stark turnaround that saw India lose seven wickets for a paltry 35 runs. Adding a layer of controversy to the proceedings, an umpire’s decision left an India A batter visibly fuming, becoming a significant talking point in a match already brimming with tension.

The Toss and India’s Promising Start

The stage was set at the PKS West End Park International Cricket Stadium on November 16, 2025. Pakistan A captain Irfan Khan won the toss and, aligning with a common T20 strategy, opted to bowl first, hoping to exploit early conditions or chase under lights. India A’s innings began with the dynamic duo of Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya. While Arya fell relatively early for 10 runs, dismissed by Shahid Aziz, the left-handed Suryavanshi quickly established his dominance. Known for his explosive hitting, Suryavanshi, who had previously etched his name in history as the first batter to score two T20 centuries in 35 deliveries or less – including a blistering 144 off 42 balls against UAE in India A’s campaign opener – lived up to his billing. He started with a powerful four and a magnificent six, showcasing his ‘unreal talent’.

Joining him at the crease, Naman Dhir provided valuable support, and the pair stitched together a solid 49-run second-wicket stand. India A appeared to be cruising, reaching 101/3 at one point, with Suryavanshi nearing a half-century and Dhir having contributed a crucial 35 runs, including a well-struck six over deep mid-wicket. The momentum seemed firmly with the young Indian side, powered by ‘IPL stars’ who were expected to dominate.

The Turning Point and a Dramatic Collapse

However, cricket, especially between arch-rivals, is a game of fine margins and sudden shifts. The turning point arrived with the dismissal of Vaibhav Suryavanshi. On an individual score of 45 off 28 balls, Suryavanshi attempted to smash a Sufiyan Muqeem delivery down the ground but failed to get the necessary elevation, caught at long-on. This ‘huge wicket’ proved to be the catalyst for India A’s dramatic collapse. From a comfortable position of 91/3, and shortly thereafter 101/3, the innings unravelled at an alarming pace.

Naman Dhir soon followed Suryavanshi, caught at extra cover off Saad Masood, sparking a ‘fiery send-off’ from the Pakistan A bowler, indicative of the intensity brewing on the field. The pressure exerted by Pakistan A’s bowlers, who ‘made a really good comeback’, stifled India’s scoring. Boundaries ‘dried up for India A’, and wickets began to tumble in quick succession. Captain Jitesh Sharma, under increasing pressure, could only manage 5 runs before hitting the ball into the hands of Shahid Aziz off Maaz Sadaqat’s bowling.

Umpire’s Blunder Adds to India A’s Misery

Amidst the deteriorating situation, a contentious decision added fuel to India A’s frustration. Ashutosh Sharma, attempting to steady the ship, was given out LBW off Saad Masood for a six-ball duck. The original article highlights the clear dissatisfaction: ‘It seems that the impact was outside off-stump but the umpire still raised his finger over an appeal for LBW. Ashutosh is in disbelief there. He is clearly unhappy with the decision.’ This ‘umpire’s blunder’ not only cost India A a wicket but also undeniably impacted the team’s morale during a critical phase, contributing to the sense of an innings spiraling out of control.

Following Ashutosh’s controversial dismissal, the procession of wickets continued. Nehal Wadhera (8) was stumped by wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori off Maaz Sadaqat, a moment described as ‘poor batting’ as he ‘jumped out of his crease and missed that ball’. Ramandeep Singh (11) then became a victim of Ubaid Shah’s slower ball, throwing his bat at it only for Ghazi Ghori to take a well-judged catch. Even a ‘close call’ run-out attempt earlier in his innings foreshadowed his eventual departure. Yash Thakur (2) was bowled by Ahmed Daniyal, and despite Harsh Dubey’s valiant efforts to find a couple of much-needed boundaries, India A eventually succumbed, with Shahid Aziz cleaning up Suyash Sharma to complete the collapse at 136 all out in 19 overs.

Pakistan A’s Bowling Masterclass

Pakistan A’s bowlers deserve immense credit for their disciplined and strategic performance. Shahid Aziz was the ‘pick of the bowlers’ with three crucial scalps, including the early wicket of Priyansh Arya and the final wicket of Suyash Sharma. Maaz Sadaqat, fresh from his ‘Player of the Match’ performance of 96* off 54 balls against Oman in their opener, continued his good form by snaring the key wickets of captain Jitesh Sharma and Nehal Wadhera. Saad Masood’s double strike, including the vital wicket of Naman Dhir and the controversial LBW of Ashutosh Sharma, further tightened Pakistan A’s grip.

Ubaid Shah, the younger brother of senior international Naseem Shah, also made his mark, dismissing Ramandeep Singh with a well-disguised slower ball. His ability to mix pace, including ‘well-directed bouncers and slower balls’, ‘kept Vaibhav Suryavanshi guessing’ during the powerplay, preventing him from scoring even more freely. Ahmed Daniyal also chipped in with a wicket. Pakistan A’s captain Irfan Khan’s decision to bowl first proved inspired, as his bowlers systematically dismantled the Indian batting line-up, showcasing the depth of talent within the ‘Pakistan Shaheens’, many of whom are ‘performers in the Pakistan Super League’.

The Broader Rivalry and Implications

An India A vs Pakistan A encounter is never just another cricket match; it’s a microcosm of one of cricket’s most storied and intense rivalries. The original article notes the ‘BCCI’s ‘No Handshake’ policy’ against arch-rivals Pakistan, with India A captain Jitesh Sharma expected to follow the footsteps of senior T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav. This policy, a show of solidarity for victims of the Pahalgam terror attack during the senior Asia Cup, adds a unique geopolitical dimension to these sporting contests.

This match also serves as a crucial proving ground for the next generation of cricketers. With India A boasting ‘young IPL stars’ and Pakistan Shaheens featuring ‘PSL performers’, these encounters provide invaluable experience under high-pressure scenarios. While India A had previously secured a ‘stunning victory’ over UAE by 148 runs, largely thanks to Suryavanshi’s monumental innings, this defeat at the hands of Pakistan A offers a stark lesson in adapting to varied bowling attacks and managing pressure in a high-stakes rivalry.

For Pakistan A, this comprehensive bowling performance and victory against their arch-rivals will be a massive confidence booster as the tournament progresses. For India A, it’s a moment for introspection, particularly regarding their middle-order resilience and how to navigate challenging spells from opposition bowlers, especially when a contentious umpiring decision adds to the mental challenge.

Conclusion

The Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 match between India A and Pakistan A will be remembered not only for Pakistan A’s impressive bowling display and India A’s dramatic collapse but also for the controversial umpire’s call that left an Indian batter in disbelief. This result underscores the unpredictable nature of cricket and the enduring intensity of the India-Pakistan rivalry, even at the ‘A’ team level. As the tournament continues, both teams will undoubtedly draw significant lessons from this compelling encounter in Doha, shaping the future stars of international cricket.

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