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Pakistan Shaheens edge past Sri Lanka A in Asia Cup Rising Stars semi-final

DOHA: Pakistan Shaheens marched into the final of the ACC Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship after grinding out a tense five-run win over Sri Lanka A in the second semi-final at West End Park International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

The hard-fought victory sets up a title clash against Bangladesh A at the same venue on Sunday.

Defending a modest 154, Pakistan Shaheens leaned heavily on their spin duo of Sufiyan Muqeem and Saad Masood, who combined to choke Sri Lanka A’s chase and shared six wickets between them.

Despite a late surge from Milan Rathnayake, Sri Lanka A were bundled for 148 on the final ball of their innings.

Sri Lanka A looked dangerous early on, racing to 29 in just two overs as Lasith Croospulle launched a whirlwind assault, smashing 27 off seven balls with three sixes and two fours.

Shahid Aziz dismissed him to stem the momentum, but the visitors maintained a tempo through Vishen Halambage, who scored 29 off 27 before becoming Muqeem’s first victim.

Halambage’s wicket opened the floodgates. Sri Lanka A unravelled in the middle overs, losing wickets in clusters and slipping from a position of control to 99-8 in the 14th over.

With the match seemingly drifting away, Milan Rathnayake engineered a spirited fightback.

He carried the chase deep, lifting his side from the brink and leaving Sri Lanka A needing eight off the final four deliveries.

But the Shaheens’ bowlers held their composure, closing out the final moments to seal a narrow but vital win. Rathnayake finished with a valiant 40 off 32, striking five fours and a six.

For Pakistan, Muqeem and Masood claimed three wickets each, while Ahmed Daniyal, Shahid Aziz and Ubaid Shah contributed one apiece.

Earlier, after being asked to bat, Pakistan Shaheens posted 153-9 in an innings marked by bursts of momentum and an untimely collapse.

Openers Mohammad Naeem (16 off 15) and the in-form Maaz Sadaqat (23 off 11) provided a bright start with a rapid 30-run partnership.

But once the pair fell in quick succession, Pakistan lost their footing, crashing to 62-5 inside eight overs.

A much-needed recovery came through Saad Masood and Ghori, who stitched together 47 runs for the sixth wicket to stabilise the innings.

Masood’s patient 22 off 25 ended in the 16th over, but Daniyal’s explosive cameo, 22 off just eight deliveries, featuring three sixes, gave the Shaheens crucial late runs.

Ghori anchored the innings till the end, remaining unbeaten on 39 off 36 with two fours and a six, guiding the side to a defendable total.

For Sri Lanka A, Madushan starred with the ball, claiming four wickets, while Traveen Mathew picked up three. Rathnayake and Dunith Wellalage added a wicket each.

READ: Bangladesh A edge India in Super Over to reach Asia Cup Rising Stars final

Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka A settle for a draw

RAWALPINDI: Sonal Dinusha and Pavan Rathnayake ended the two four-day matches series with sparkling centuries as Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka ‘A’ match ended in a draw at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium here on Thursday.

Dinusha returned unbeaten on 116 and Rathnayake remained 100 not out as Sri Lanka ‘A’, resuming their second innings at 157 for four, declared their second innings at 260 for four to set Pakistan Shaheens a target of 284 in 60 overs.

When the match ended, Pakistan Shaheens were 156 for three in 45 overs.

Dinusha, who had scored 85 not in the first innings, had started the day at 51 and added another 65 runs on the final day to finish at 116 not out.

His fourth first-class century in the 41st match came off 141 balls and included nine fours. Overall, he faced 184 balls and hit 10 fours.

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Rathnayake had started this morning at 64 and finished on 100 not out, his seventh first-class century in 38 matches. He faced 198 balls and hit eight fours.

The two batters had come together when Sri Lanka ‘A’ were tottering at 46 for four. Their 214 runs unbeaten fifth-wicket stand came off 369 balls and not only steered the ship to safety but also allowed Sri Lanka ‘A’ to set the home team a stiff 284 runs target in 60 overs.

When the match was called off, Pakistan Shaheens had recovered from 67 for three to 156 for three.

Mohammad Suleman was the top-scorer with 66 not out (121b, 3×4, 1×6), while Haider Ali scored 43 not out (68b, 3×4, 1×6) as the two batters put on 89 runs for the unfinished fourth wicket. Ali Zaryab contributed 31.

The two sides will now feature in a three-match 50-over series to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 25, 27 and 29 November.

READ: Salman Butt takes a dig at Pakistan players’ fitness

Mohammad Huraira to lead Pakistan Shaheens against Sri Lanka A

LAHORE: Mohammad Huraira has been appointed the captain of Pakistan Shaheens for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka A, starting from 11 November.

Pakistan Shaheens will play two four-day and three 50-over matches against Sri Lanka ’A’ at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

22-year-old Mohammad Huraira has scored 3,310 runs in 40 first-class matches with eight centuries and 14 half-centuries.

In 25 List-A matches, the right-handed batter has accumulated 632 runs, striking a century and a half-century.

The Men’s National Selection Committee has also named the red-ball and white-ball squads, which include Test fast bowlers Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Khurram Shahzad.

The duo returned to competitive cricket last week by featuring in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy after completing their rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy.

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Hussain Talat is the other international player in the white-ball squad, whereas Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and Ahmed Safi Abdullah have earned their maiden Shaheens call-ups.

In the white-ball squad, Abdul Samad, Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Imran Jnr and Rohail Nazir retained their places in the side that participated in the ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup last month.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Imran, Sirajuddin, and Ubaid Shah broke into the Pakistan Shaheens’ side for the first time.

The red-ball squad will commence training sessions on 6 November, while Sri Lanka ‘A’ will arrive on 8 November before starting their preparations on 9 November. White-ball players will assemble in Islamabad on 22 November.

Meanwhile, the PCB has also confirmed the umpires and match officials for the series. Iqbal Sheikh and Bilal Khilji will lead the Playing Control Team (PCT) for the red and white-ball matches, respectively, while umpiring responsibilities in the series will be shared between Asif Yaqoob, Imran Jawed, Rashid Riaz and Zulfiqar Jan.

Pakistan Shaheens squad

Four-dayers: Mohammad Huraira (captain) (Sialkot), Abdul Faseeh (Rawalpindi), Ahmed Safi Abdullah (Faisalabad), Ali Zaryab (Lahore), Haider Ali (Rawalpindi), Hussain Talat (Lahore), Kashif Ali (Rawalpindi), Khurram Shahzad (Faisalabad), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (Karachi), Mohammad Rameez Jnr (Lahore), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (FATA), Rohail Nazir (Islamabad), Saad Khan (Hyderabad) and Sameen Gul (FATA)

50-over matches: Mohammad Huraira (captain) (Sialkot), Abdul Faseeh (Rawalpindi), Abdul Samad (Faisalabad), Haider Ali (Rawalpindi), Hussain Talat (Lahore), Maaz Sadaqat (Peshawar), Mehran Mumtaz (Rawalpindi), Mohammad Haris (Peshawar), Mohammad Imran Jnr (Swat), Muhammad Imran (Bahawalpur), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (FATA), Rohail Nazir (Islamabad), Sharoon Siraj (Multan), Sirajuddin (FATA) and Ubaid Shah (Lahore)

Umpire and match referee appointments (All matches will be day games and played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium)

11-14 Nov – 1st four-day. Asif Yaqoob and Zulfiqar Jan (on-field umpires), Imran Jawed (third umpire), Iqbal Sheikh (match referee)

18-21 Nov – 2nd four-day. Rashid Riaz and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire), Iqbal Sheikh (match referee)

25 Nov – 1st 50-over match. Rashid Riaz and Zulfiqar Jan (on-field umpires), Imran Jawed (third umpire), Bilal Khilji (match referee)

27 Nov – 2nd 50-over match. Rashid Riaz and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire), Bilal Khilji (match referee)

29 Nov – 3rd 50-over match. Rashid Riaz and Zulfiqar Jan (on-field umpires), Imran Jawed (third umpire), Bilal Khilji (match referee)

READ: Pakistan can beat India in Test: Wasim Akram after New Zealand’s 3-0 win

PCB confirms venue for Pakistan Shaheens series against Sri Lanka ‘A’

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday confirmed that Islamabad Club will host the five-match red and white-ball series between Sri Lanka ‘A’ and Pakistan Shaheens in November.

As announced earlier, Sri Lanka ‘A’ on their maiden tour to Pakistan, will play two four-day matches from 11 to 21 November, followed by a three-match 50-over series on 25, 27 and 29 November.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ will arrive in Islamabad on 7 November and will train for three days before taking on the Pakistan Shaheens in the first four-dayer commencing from 11 November.

For both four-day games, the toss will take place at 9:00 AM PKT, with the first ball expected to be bowled at 9:30 AM PKT.

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The three 50-over series fixtures will be day-night games, with the toss taking place at 1:30 PM PKT. The first ball of the match is expected to be bowled at 2:00 PM PKT.

The PCB continues to invest in its young talent with Shaheens set to play their second home series in three months. In August, Bangladesh ‘A’ had travelled to Islamabad for two four-dayers and a three-match 50-over series.

Besides the home series this year, Pakistan Shaheens had also featured in two four-dayers against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Darwin, Australia, two 50-over matches against Northern Territory and Bangladesh ‘A’ and also took part in the Top End T20 series.

The Shaheens have also recently competed in the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Muscat.

Schedule of Sri Lanka ‘A’ Tour of Pakistan

7 Nov – Sri Lanka’s Arrival in Islamabad

11-14 Nov – 1st four-day match, Islamabad Club

18-21 Nov – 2nd four-day match, Islamabad Club

25 Nov – 1st 50-over match, Islamabad Club

27 Nov – 2nd 50-over match, Islamabad Club

29 Nov – 3rd 50-over match, Islamabad Club

READ: PCB reveals squads for Australia and Zimbabwe tours

Sri Lanka A thrash Pakistan Shaheens to reach Emerging Asia Cup final

AL AMERAT: Dushan Hemantha’s four-wicket haul, coupled with Ahan Wickramasinghe’s anchoring half-century powered Sri Lanka A to thump Pakistan Shaheens and qualify for the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup.

Chasing 136 to win, Sri Lanka A achieved the target in the 17th over, courtesy of a quickfire second-wicket partnership between Lahiru Udara and Ahan Wickramasinghe.

Sri Lanka A had an unwanted start to their pursuit as Yashodha Lanka (11, 10b) suffered a bizarre dismissal for obstructing the field.

Udara was then joined by Wickramasinghe and they turned the tide in Sri Lanka A’s favour with belligerent hitting. The duo added 64 runs in just 6.1 overs until Udara fell victim to Sufiyan Muqeem.

Wicketkeeper-batter Lahiru Udara scored a quick-fire 43 off 20 balls, hitting two fours and four sixes.

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Udara’s dismissal halted the flow of runs for Sri Lanka A and they had to bat cautiously to get to the finishing line in the 17th over despite set-batter Wickramasinghe being in the middle.

Ahan Wickramasinghe top-scored for Sri Lanka A with a 46-ball 52, laced up with four fours and a six.

Earlier, opting to bat first in the first semi-final, Pakistan Shaheens managed to score 135 for nine in their 20 overs. Opening batter Omair Bin Yousuf was the top run-getter for the side scoring 68 off 46 balls, which included five fours and four sixes.

Haider Ali (14, 15b), Mohammad Imran Jnr (13, 12b, 2x4s) and Arafat Minhas (10, 8b, 1×4) were the other batters to reach double figures.

For Sri Lanka A, Dushan Hemantha bagged four wickets for 21 in four overs, while Eshan Malinga and Nipun Ransika took two wickets apiece.

The second semi-final of the Emerging Asia Cup will be played between Afghanistan A and India A later today.

READ: Spinners put Pakistan on top after Saud’s ton gives 77-run lead

PCB reveals schedule of Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A tour of Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan Shaheens will play four additional four-day and six 50-over matches this year at home against Bangladesh A and Sri Lanka A in August and November, respectively.

Pakistan Shaheens are currently playing a four-day series against Bangladesh A in Darwin, Australia.

Following the second four-dayer between the two teams which will conclude on 29 July, they will go toe-to-toe in two four-dayers from 10-13 August and 17-20 August in Pakistan (Venues TBC). The four-dayers will be followed by three 50-over matches on 23, 25, and 27 August.

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In November, Sri Lanka A will visit Pakistan for five matches against Pakistan Shaheens. The four-dayers will be played from 11-14 November and 18-21 November, while the 50-over matches will be held on 25, 27, and 29 November. Venues will be announced in due course.

Separately, the Pakistan Emerging team will also defend their ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup title in October, while the Pakistan U19 team will feature in a U19 50-over Tri-Nation Tournament and ACC Asia Cup U19 in November/December. The ACC will announce details of the two tournaments in due course.

Schedule of upcoming development/pathways events

BANGLADESH A IN PAKISTAN

10-13 Aug – 1^st four-day match

17-20 Aug – 2^nd four-day match

23 Aug – 1^st 50-over match

25 Aug – 2^nd 50-over match

27 Aug – 3^rd 50-over match

ACC EMERGING TEAMS ASIA CUP 2024

October (dates, venue and schedule TBC)

SRI LANKA A IN PAKISTAN

11-14 Nov – 1^st four-day

18-21 Nov – 2^nd four-day

25 Nov – 1^st 50-over match

27 Nov – 2^nd 50-over match

29 Nov – 3^rd 50-over match

U19 50-over Tri-Nation Tournament & ACC U19 ASIA CUP 2024

November/December (dates, venues and schedule TBC)

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