Heartbreak for Ripon and Saklayen as Pakistan Shaheens Triumph in Super Over

Bangladesh A came agonisingly close to scripting one of the most extraordinary turnarounds in Rising Stars Asia Cup history, yet fell just short as Pakistan Shaheens clinched the title for a record third time after a tense Super Over in Doha on Sunday.

Chasing a modest target of 126, Bangladesh A collapsed to 53 for 7, undone by nerves and disciplined Shaheens bowling. Although SM Meherob and Rakibul Hasan revived faint hopes, their dismissals left the side tottering at 96 for 9. At that point, a Bangladesh victory seemed nothing short of impossible.

Enter Ripon Mondol and Abdul Gaffar Saklayen—batters No. 10 and 11—who produced a heroic, completely unexpected partnership. Ripon, who had earlier claimed three wickets with the ball, struck a determined 11, while Saklayen contributed an unbeaten 16. Together, they smashed 20 runs in the 19th over, dragging the match into a nail-biting finish. They needed seven off the final over but could only manage six, forcing the match into a Super Over thanks to a desperate single off the final ball.

However, unlike their dramatic win against India in the semi-final, the Tigers were unable to seize the moment. Facing Ahmed Daniyal in the Super Over, they mustered only six runs and were bowled out within three legitimate deliveries, despite a wide that gifted them five. Pakistan openers Saim Ayub and Maaz Sadaqat required only four balls to finish the job, sealing the title in emphatic fashion.

Yet the heartbreak was intensified by how well Bangladesh had bowled earlier. Ripon’s 3 for 25 and Rakibul’s double strike had bundled Pakistan out for 125. Sada Masood’s spirited 38 off 26 was the only significant resistance for the Shaheens.

Bangladesh’s promising start in the chase, led by Habibur Rahman’s brisk 26 off 16, dissolved catastrophically after his dismissal. From 36 for 1, the Tigers tumbled to 53 for 7 in the space of 17 runs—pressure proving their undoing.

Ultimately, what might have become a fairytale ending for Ripon and Saklayen ended instead in a lesson in composure, as Pakistan Shaheens once again demonstrated their mastery of high-pressure moments.