Pakistan claim Rising Stars crown as Bangladesh falter in Super Over

Bangladesh A came agonisingly close to a victory in the ACC Rising Stars final, but a dramatic Super Over ultimately swung the title to Pakistan Shaheens. 

Chasing 125, Bangladesh teetered at 96 for nine, yet Abdul Gaffar Saklain and Ripon Mondol brought the scores level at Doha on Sunday, only to see the title slip away in the shootout.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s bowlers combined pace and spin to restrict Pakistan to 125. 

In reply, Akbar Ali’s side were reeling at 53 for seven, before the last-wicket pair produced a remarkable recovery.

For the Super Over, Saklain returned alongside Habibur Rahman Sohan. Ahmed Daniyal’s first delivery yielded a single for Sohan, and Saklain fell on the second, caught. 

A wide and a bye followed, giving Bangladesh five runs, but Jishan Alam bowled the third ball, ending the chase at six.

Ripon, who had earlier dismissed India for zero in a Super Over, could not replicate that magic. He conceded two runs off the first two deliveries, but Saad Masood hammered a four off the third and ran a single off the fourth to seal the title.