Pakistan Shaheens Dominate with Emphatic Victory
In a stunning display of cricketing prowess, the Pakistan Shaheens delivered a crushing blow to India A, securing a comprehensive eight-wicket victory in the Rising Stars Asia Cup encounter on Sunday. The match, held in New Delhi, saw the Shaheens chase down a modest target of 137 runs with remarkable ease, achieving victory in a mere 13.2 overs and with a whopping 40 balls to spare.
India A's Innings: A Promising Start Followed by a Dramatic Collapse
Choosing to bat first, India A showed glimpses of a competitive total. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, fresh from his record-breaking century in the previous match, took charge at the crease. He played his characteristic aggressive game, smashing 45 runs off just 28 deliveries at a blistering strike rate of over 160. He was ably supported by Naman Dhir, who contributed a quickfire 35 from 20 balls. At 91 for 3, India A seemed poised for a respectable total.
However, the innings unraveled spectacularly from that point. The team suffered a dramatic batting collapse, losing their final seven wickets for a paltry 45 runs. The Pakistani bowling attack was disciplined and effective. Shahid Aziz was the chief destroyer, claiming three crucial wickets for 24 runs. He was well-supported by Saad Masood and the left-arm spinner Maaz Sadaqat, who chipped in with two wickets apiece. The turning point came when Suryavanshi, attempting one aggressive shot too many, was caught by Mohammad Faiq off the bowling of Sufiyan Muqeem, a dismissal that triggered the Indian downfall.
Maaz Sadaqat's All-Round Masterclass Seals the Win
In response, the Pakistan Shaheens' chase was nothing short of dominant. Opener Maaz Sadaqat put on a spectacular show, anchoring the innings with a magnificent, unbeaten 79 off just 47 balls. His explosive knock, which included seven fours and four sixes, completely dismantled the Indian bowling attack. His performance was all the more impressive as it capped off an excellent all-round day, having already taken two wickets with his left-arm spin.
Sadaqat did have a slice of luck when Vaibhav Suryavanshi dropped a straightforward catch at point, but he made the most of the reprieve, ensuring his team cruised to victory. For his match-winning contribution with both bat and ball, Maaz Sadaqat was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match.
Brief scores:
India A: 136 all out in 19 overs (Vaibhav Suryavanshi 45, Naman Dhir 35; Shahid Aziz 3/24)
Pakistan Shaheens: 137/2 in 13.2 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 79 not out)
