India A continued their ‘no shaking hands’ policy against Pakistan A after losing by eight wickets in the 6th match of the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday, November 16 at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha. After being put into bat first, India were all out for just 136 in 19 overs, with Vaibhav Suryavanshi top-scoring with 45 (28). In response, Pakistan chased down the target in just 13.2 overs, riding on a brilliant innings from Maaz Sadaqat (79* off 47).
Pakistan’s chase got off to a stunning start with openers Mohammad Naeem and Maaz Sadaqat adding 55 runs for the first wicket from 33 balls. Sadaqat was the aggressor in the partnership as he continued his rich run of form after scoring a remarkable 96 (54) against Oman in the previous match. The southpaw took hold of the Indian bowling right from the start and produced an excellent exhibition of adventurous hitting.
The 20-year-old also got a few reprieve when Vaibhav Suryavanshi fell on 53. He was given another life on 56 after Nehal Wadhera and Naman Dhir completed a relay catch. However, under the new rules, the third umpire dismissed him and his innings continued. He eventually ended the game with his 79* (47), with seven fours and four sixes to guide Pakistan A to the semi-finals.
Asia Cup Rising Stars: IND-A vs PAK-A Update
Earlier, India’s innings got off to a good start again as teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi hit a boundary on the very first ball. The southpaw went on to play some beautiful shots outside the side, giving Pakistan an ominous sign.
At the other end, after a cautious start, Priyansh Arya also got loose, scoring a few boundaries but was dismissed after playing one stroke too many and was caught at mid-wicket for 10 (9) after failing to read a slower delivery from Shahid Aziz.
Pakistan’s spinners trigger a collapse in the middle overs
Despite his dismissal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi continued his carnage at the other end and got good support from Naman Dhir as the duo added 49 runs for the second wicket from 32 balls. Just as India were cruising, Saad Masood broke a dangerous partnership and dismissed Dhir for 35 (20).
In the very next over, Vaibhav Suryavanshi (45 off 28) bit into long-on as he tried to hit Sufiyan Muqeem. As the partnership ended, the new batsmen could not come to terms with the slowness of the surface and capitulated against Pakistan’s spinners. Maaz Sadaqat (2/12 in 3 overs) started the collapse by dismissing Indian skipper Jitesh Sharma (5 off 9).
India A went from 101/3 to 136 in 19 overs as Sadaqat, Saad Masood (2/31) and Shahid Aziz (3/24 in 3 overs) got through their batting.
Meanwhile, India will face Oman in their last game after losing on November 18, making it a must-win game for the men in blue to qualify for the semi-finals.
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
November 16, 2025
