Pakistan ODI skipper Shaheen Afridi showered praise on Pakistan A for their dominant performance against India A in the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 match in Doha on Sunday.
The left-arm pacer called the victory over their neighbours a “big achievement” in the T20I-format continental tournament.
Pakistan Shaheens climbed to the top of Group B in the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 after beating India A by eight wickets in Doha. All-rounder Maaz Sadaqat took two wickets and then scored an unbeaten half-century in the chase. The Pakistan team chased down the target in just 13.2 overs to secure the victory.
That’s A Big Achievement For Us – Shaheen Afridi
Pakistan Shaheens qualified for the semi-finals following the victory over India A. Shaheen Afridi called the result a big achievement, especially given the rivalry between the two sides.
“Pakistan Shaheens won against our neighbours, so that’s a big achievement for us,” Shaheen Afridi said, as quoted by the Times of India.
India A opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored 45 off 28, with five boundaries and three sixes. Naman Dhir added 35 runs off 20 balls, including six boundaries and one six. However, the middle order faltered as Shahid Aziz and Saad Masood applied pressure.
Shahid picked up three wickets, while Masood and Maaz Sadaqat bagged two scalps each. Sadaqat then scored 79 off 47 balls to seal the win for the Shaheens. Yash Thakur and Suyash Sharma picked up one wicket each for India A.
Winning the Series 3-0, Always Happy – Shaheen Afridi
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 in the three-match ODI series. Shaheen Afridi said that the team’s rotation strategy has been working well. Afridi also stated that players who had been waiting on the bench delivered impressive performances.
“Winning the series 3-0, always happy. Like I said during the 1st game, everyone has been confident. They have been in good touch since the South Africa series. All the 15 players should be ready for any game. The rotation policy is good for us,” the skipper said.
“Credit goes to him. He was sitting on the bench but still worked. He played domestic cricket as well, bowled well to him. They are wicket-takers. The way Wasim Jr came back after injury. They are both match-winners for the team,” he added.
Pakistan Chase Down 211 With Six Wickets in Hand
Pakistan chased down the target of 211 with six wickets in hand. Fakhar Zaman scored 55 off 45 balls, while Mohammad Rizwan added an unbeaten 61 from 92 deliveries. Sri Lanka removed Babar Azam and Salman Agha in quick succession, but the target was not enough to defend.
Earlier, Pakistan restricted Sri Lanka to 211, with Mohammad Wasim taking three wickets. Haris Rauf and Faisal Akram claimed two wickets each. Sadeera Samarawickrama scored 48 runs, but regular wickets prevented Sri Lanka from posting a competitive total.
They collapsed from 143 for 4 to 193 for 8 before debutant Pavan Rathnayake scored 32 runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Faheem Ashraf took a wicket apiece as Sri Lanka were bowled out in 45.2 overs.