Bangladesh ‘A’ team is through to the semifinals of the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 after topping their group, despite losing their last match. They had earlier beaten Hong Kong and Afghanistan ‘A’ teams by big margins. In the final group match, Akbar Ali’s team played without pressure but could not win. They lost to Sri Lanka ‘A’ by six runs.
The match took place on Wednesday, 19 November, in Doha, Qatar. Bangladesh batted first, chasing 160 runs. They played the full 20 overs and scored 153 for six wickets. They fell short by six runs. On Friday, Bangladesh will face India for a place in the final.
Bangladesh started well, scoring 29 runs in the first three overs. Habibur Rahman Sohan, who scored a century against Hong Kong, made 27 runs off 4 balls but was out on the first ball of the fourth over. Opener Zeeshan Alam stayed until the seventh over and scored 17 runs off 16 balls. By then, the team had 60 runs. Zeeshan was then dismissed.
Jawad Abrar made 26 runs but could not build a big innings. Mahidul scored 8 runs and Akbar Ali made 25. Bangladesh lost their fifth wicket at 118 runs. They needed 40 runs from the last 26 balls. Yasir Ali Rabbi scored 20 runs off 17 balls before getting out on the last ball. SM Meherob remained not out with 16 runs off 14 balls. Bangladesh finished with 153 for 6, losing by six runs.
Earlier, Sri Lanka batted first on Bangladesh’s invitation. Sahan Arichige gave Sri Lanka a strong total, scoring 69 runs off 49 balls. Sri Lanka made 159 for seven wickets. Ripon Mondol and Abu Hider Rony took two wickets each for Bangladesh.
The Tigers’ ‘A’ side will now face India ‘A’ in the first semi-final on Friday.
