DOHA: Pakistan Shaheens secured their spot in the final of the ACC Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship with a nail-biting five-run victory over Sri Lanka A in a gripping semi-final at West End Park International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

The thrilling contest has set up a high-stakes final against Bangladesh A, scheduled for Sunday at the same venue.

Shaheens Defend 154 With Spin Brilliance

Tasked with defending a modest 154, the Shaheens turned to their spin duo of Sufiyan Muqeem and Saad Masood, who delivered under pressure. The pair combined for six wickets, applying relentless pressure during the middle overs and derailing Sri Lanka A’s chase.

Despite a spirited late charge from Milan Rathnayake, Sri Lanka A fell short, bowled out for 148 on the very last ball of the innings.

Sri Lanka A’s Fiery Start Fizzles Out

Sri Lanka A began with explosive intent, racing to 29 in just two overs as Lasith Croospulle hammered 27 off seven deliveries, smashing three sixes and two fours. His blitz was cut short by Shahid Aziz, who helped Pakistan regain control.

Vishen Halambage carried the momentum briefly with a steady 29 off 27, but once Muqeem dismissed him, Sri Lanka A’s innings spiraled. From a strong position, they collapsed to 99-8 by the 14th over.

Rathnayake’s Fightback Not Enough

With the game slipping away, Milan Rathnayake launched a determined counterattack, bringing his team back into contention. He kept the chase alive until the final over, leaving Sri Lanka A needing just eight runs off the last four balls.

But the Shaheens held their nerve. Rathnayake’s valiant 40 off 32—featuring five fours and a six—went in vain as Pakistan closed out a tense finish.

Muqeem and Masood took three wickets each, while Ahmed Daniyal, Shahid Aziz, and Ubaid Shah chipped in with one apiece.

Shaheens’ Batting: Fast Start, Mid-Innings Collapse, Late Recovery

Earlier, batting first, Pakistan Shaheens posted 153-9, an innings marked by early aggression, a sudden collapse, and a timely lower-order rescue.

Openers Mohammad Naeem (16 off 15) and the in-form Maaz Sadaqat (23 off 11) gave Pakistan a flying start with a 30-run opening stand. But momentum shifted quickly as Sri Lanka A struck back, reducing the Shaheens to 62-5 inside eight overs.

A crucial 47-run partnership between Saad Masood and Ghori helped stabilize the innings. Masood’s composed 22 off 25 ended in the 16th over, but Ahmed Daniyal provided a late spark with a fiery 22 off just eight balls, including three towering sixes.

Ghori remained unbeaten on 39 off 36, guiding Pakistan to a total that ultimately proved defendable.

Sri Lanka A’s Bowling Standouts

For Sri Lanka A, Madushan impressed with four wickets, while Traveen Mathew claimed three. Rathnayake and Dunith Wellalage picked up one each.