Pakistan A Clinches Record Third Asia Cup Rising Stars Title; Mohsin Naqvi Presents Trophy After India Controversy

Pakistan A captured their third Asia Cup Rising Stars championship on Sunday, November 23, defeating Bangladesh A in a thrilling Super Over finish at West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha. Captain Irfan Khan Niazi’s squad triumphed in the dramatic finale, preventing Akbar Ali’s Bangladesh from claiming their maiden tournament title.

ACC chief and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi remained a visible figure throughout the match. Broadcasting cameras frequently captured his animated reactions from the spectator area as momentum shifted between the teams. Following Pakistan’s victory, Naqvi took to the field to award the trophy to captain Irfan Khan. His presence recalled the contentious conclusion of the 2025 Asia Cup final in Dubai, where Naqvi had insisted on personally presenting the trophy to India. The Indian squad refused, resulting in an abrupt cancellation of the ceremony. Naqvi subsequently declared that India captain Suryakumar Yadav would need to collect the trophy from the ACC office.

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Pakistan’s batting performance experienced dramatic swings earlier in the day. After collapsing to 2 for 2 following early dismissals of Yasir Khan and Mohammad Faiq, the team rebuilt through solid efforts from Maaz Sadaqat (23 off 18) and Arafat Minhas (25 off 23). However, continued losses of wickets left Pakistan struggling at 75 for 6. Saad Masood delivered a match-defining knock an explosive 38 off 26 deliveries with three boundaries and three sixes propelling Pakistan to a competitive 125. Ripon Mondol (3 for 25) and Rakibul Hasan (2 for 16) maintained strict control over the scoring.

Bangladesh A started their pursuit strongly with Habibur Rahman Sohan’s brisk 26 off 17, but Sufiyan Muqeem’s exceptional 3 for 11 and Arafat Minhas’s two wickets reduced them to 53 for 7. A spirited fightback from Rakibul Hasan and a dramatic 19-run penultimate over from Saqlain and Mondal revitalized their hopes, but Ahmed Daniyal’s disciplined final over forced the Super Over.

Daniyal claimed two wickets in the Super Over despite conceding five wides, limiting Bangladesh to just six runs. Saad Masood then clinched Pakistan’s historic victory with a boundary followed by a calm single.