Doha, Qatar - In a highly anticipated match-up at the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025, India A and Pakistan A locked horns at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha on November 16, 2025. The Jitesh Sharma-led India A, fresh off a dominant 148-run victory against UAE, aimed to secure their second consecutive win in the tournament. However, Pakistan A, captained by Irfan Khan, entered the contest with momentum of their own, having secured a 40-run victory over Oman in their opening game.
Pakistan A won the toss and elected to bowl first, putting India A in to bat. This marked the fifth meeting between India and Pakistan in cricket in 2025, adding another layer of intensity to the already high-stakes encounter.
All eyes were on Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old Indian sensation who had taken the tournament by storm with a blistering 144 off just 42 balls against UAE. His innings included a staggering 15 sixes and 11 fours, making him the youngest Indian to score a century in senior international representative (A team) cricket. Suryavanshi's explosive batting and Jitesh Sharma's own impressive form, which saw him score an unbeaten 83 off 32 balls in the previous match, had India A breathing confidence ahead of the clash.
However, the Pakistan A team posed a significant challenge, boasting a well-rounded bowling attack and experienced players from the Pakistan Super League. Key players for Pakistan A included Maaz Sadaqat, who had impressed with an unbeaten 96 off 54 balls against Oman, and Ubaid Shah, who took 3 wickets for 29 runs in his debut.
Adding to the tension, it was expected that India A would continue the "no handshake" policy initiated during the Asia Cup in September, as a show of solidarity for victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. This meant that Jitesh Sharma was expected to forego the customary handshake with Pakistan A skipper Irfan Khan.
The West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha was expected to provide a balanced surface, offering assistance to both batsmen and bowlers. While seamers might find swing with the new ball, the pitch was expected to become more conducive to batting as the game progressed. Dew could also play a significant role in the second innings.
The match was broadcast live on Sony Sports Network in India, with live streaming available on the Sony LIV app and website.
As the match unfolded, the encounter lived up to its billing, delivering a thrilling contest between two of the most promising teams in the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025.
