India A suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Pakistan A in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament in Doha on Sunday, following an inexplicable batting collapse. After winning the toss and opting to field, Pakistan A staged a comeback to bowl out India A for just 136 runs, despite the Indian side cruising at 91 for two in the 10th over. Pakistan A then made light work of the chase, securing their second successive victory by overhauling the target of 137 with 40 balls to spare.
The defeat was sealed by the all-round brilliance of opener Maaz Sadaqat. Sadaqat had an excellent outing with his left-arm spin, claiming two crucial wickets, including those of Jitesh Sharma and Nehal Wadhera. He then top-scored for Pakistan A with an unbeaten 79 runs off just 47 balls during the chase, an innings that featured seven fours and four sixes. He was awarded the Player of the Match for his decisive contribution with both bat and ball.
India A's innings began on the back of teen batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who blazed his way to a 28-ball 45, and Naman Dhir, who smashed 35 off 20 balls. India A appeared set for a commanding total around the 180-mark before the wickets of Dhir and Suryavanshi in quick succession changed the complexion of the game.
Following the breakthrough, medium pacer Shahid Aziz, 3 for 24 and spinners Sadaqat and Saad Masood took two wickets apiece, tightening the screws, causing India A to lose eight wickets for just 45 runs in the last 10 overs.
Pakistan A’s chase was rapid and controlled with Sadaqat taking the attack to India’s pacers and spinners alike. The opener received a life early on when Vaibhav Suryavanshi dropped a simple catch at point, but he ensured the reprieve was costly.
There was also controversy regarding a relay catch by Indian fielders Nehal Wadhera and Naman Dhir near the boundary line, which the third umpire ruled as "not out" and strangely deemed a dot ball, adding tension to the high-stakes contest.
The defeat marks the first loss for India A in the tournament, though they had started the campaign with a big win against the UAE. Pakistan A, now assured of a semi-final berth, displayed clinical finishing across both innings. India A must now defeat Oman in their next match to confirm their own place in the last four, with the pacers needing to find better control after leaking boundaries and extras in the chase.
