In a surprise result at the Asia Cup Rising Stars Tournament in Doha, Pakistan Shaheens cruised to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over India A on Sunday. Chasing a modest target of 137, the young Pakistani side reached the mark in just 13.2 overs, marking a rare triumph for Pakistan over their arch-rivals in recent encounters. The result also sparked an unexpected response from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi praised the young team for its fearless performance, calling the win a proud moment for Pakistan cricket. “Our Pakistan Shaheens defeated India A by 8 wickets, chasing down the target in 13.2 overs. A dominant, fearless, and unforgettable performance,” he wrote. He added that the victory was a testament to the potential of Pakistan’s upcoming talent, describing them as “the future of Pakistan.”
The statement came as a surprise to many cricket followers, as such high-level acknowledgment is uncommon for an early-stage group match. Pakistan’s win, however, carries symbolic importance, coming months after the senior men’s team suffered multiple defeats to India in the 2025 Asia Cup. The victory marked Pakistan’s first win over India at any level in recent memory.
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On the field, Pakistan Shaheens delivered a commanding performance. After opting to field, they bowled India A out for 136, despite the latter being in control at 91 for three in the 10th over. Opener Maaz Sadaqat emerged as the star of the match with an unbeaten 79 off 47 balls, including seven fours and four sixes. His bowling contribution of 2/12 sealed his reputation as a genuine all-rounder in the making.
The fixture also stirred chatter online over a viral claim suggesting Indian players reached out to shake hands with the Pakistani team after the match. However, videos from the game showed only Pakistani players and staff greeting one another following the win. Sports analysts noted that the captains had not shaken hands at the toss, echoing the tension from their senior teams’ recent face-offs.Pakistan’s second win of the tournament has brought them closer to securing a knockout berth, with cricket fans celebrating the result as a morale boost for the nation ahead of future India-Pakistan encounters.
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