Bangladesh A Sets Challenging Target Against India A in ACC Men's Asia Cup Semi-Final
Bangladesh A's Strong Performance in Semi-Final
Doha [Qatar], November 21: In the first semi-final of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 held at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh A showcased a remarkable performance, led by opener Habibur Rahman Sohan, who scored a solid half-century. His late-game partner, SM Meherob, contributed significantly, allowing the team to set a challenging total against India A.
Bangladesh A finished their innings at 194-6 in 20 overs, establishing a target of 195 runs for the India A team, captained by Jitesh Sharma.
After winning the toss and opting to field, India A faced difficulties in containing the aggressive batting from Bangladesh's top order. Habibur Rahman was particularly dominant, forming a crucial 43-run partnership with Jishan Alam, who scored 15 runs.
The pair ensured that Bangladesh concluded the powerplay at 49-1, maintaining an impressive run rate exceeding nine runs per over.
Despite the loss of Jishan Alam and captain Akbar Ali, who scored 15 runs, Habibur remained steadfast. He reached his half-century in just 32 balls, showcasing a blend of power and precision that troubled the Indian bowlers. His innings concluded with a total of 65 runs off 46 balls, featuring a series of well-placed boundaries.
Following Habibur's dismissal, the Indian bowling attack began to regain control. The turning point came when Habibur misplayed a low full-toss, caught by Harsh Dubey off Gurjapneet Singh's bowling in the 16th over, which significantly shifted the momentum.
Harsh Dubey, a left-arm spinner, was effective in the middle overs, taking the wicket of Akbar Ali and finishing with figures of 22 runs for 1 wicket. Leg-spinner Suyash Sharma (1-17) and pacers Gurjapneet Singh (2-39) and Naman Dhir (1-5 in 1 over) played crucial roles in slowing down the scoring rate. Ramandeep Singh also contributed with 2 wickets for 29 runs.
As India A seemed to have Bangladesh on the back foot, number six batter SM Meherob turned the tide with a stunning performance, scoring an unbeaten 48 runs off just 18 balls, which included six sixes and one four. Yasir Ali also played a vital role, remaining not out on 17 runs from 9 balls, helping Bangladesh to post a formidable total against India.
In the final two overs, both batters unleashed a fierce assault on the Indian bowlers, accumulating 50 runs, setting the stage for an exciting chase ahead.