In a nail-biting semi-final finish that nearly went to a second Super Over, Bangladesh A defeated India A to secure a spot in the final of the Rising Stars Asia Cup in Doha today.
Seamer Ripon Mondol was the hero, not only delivering a superb penultimate over but also starring in the Super Over tie-breaker. Bangladesh A set up a strong total thanks to Habibur Rahman's 65 off 46 balls and a breathtaking late assault by left-hander SM Meherob, who smashed 48 unbeaten runs off just 18 balls, including four sixes in a 28-run penultimate over, helping them post a challenging total.
India A’s chase began with a rapid-fire 38 off 15 balls from Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Contributions from Priyansh Arya (44) and Jitesh Sharma (33) kept them in the hunt.
With India A needing 21 runs off the last two overs, Ripon Mondol bowled a crucial 19th over, giving away only five runs and removing the dangerous Ramandeep Singh, leaving 16 needed off the last over.
With 4 needed off the last ball, Bangladesh A captain Akbar Ali misjudged an underarm throw, allowing India A to steal a third run and force a Super Over, despite Harsh Dubey having nearly given up on the run.
Team India A struggled tactically and failed to utilize their highest six-hitter, Suryavanshi, early. Ripon Mondol bowled a pinpoint yorker to dismiss a frazzled Jitesh Sharma and soon removed Ashutosh Sharma, leaving Bangladesh A a target of just one run for victory.
There was one final twist as Suyash Sharma removed Yasir Ali on the first ball. However, Captain Akbar Ali sealed the win on the next delivery after Suyash's misdirected googly resulted in a wide, handing Bangladesh A the dramatic victory.
Team India A now bow out of the tournament following an underwhelming campaign that included a group stage loss to Pakistan A.
