NEW DELHI: India ‘A’ cruised into the semifinals of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 with a convincing six-wicket victory over Oman at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha on Tuesday. With a knockout berth on the line, the contest served as a virtual quarterfinal, and India ‘A’ produced a composed all-round display to join Pakistan Shaheens in the final four.Set a target of 136, India ‘A’ made a shaky start as young openers Vaibhav Suryavanshi (12) and Priyansh Arya (10) were back in the hut early, leaving the side at 37 for 2 inside five overs. But Naman Dhir steadied the innings with a brisk 30 off just 19 deliveries, featuring two fours and two sixes, before falling against the run of play.Harsh Dubey then anchored the chase with maturity, keeping the scoreboard moving without taking unnecessary risks. The left-hander guided India ‘A’ home with an unbeaten 53 from 44 balls, decorated with seven boundaries and a six. Nehal Wadhera’s measured 23 off 24 balls proved crucial as the pair added a 66-run partnership for the fourth wicket, effectively shutting Oman out of the game. Skipper Jitesh Sharma applied the finishing touch with a boundary as India ‘A’ wrapped up the chase at 138 for 4 in 17.5 overs.Earlier, Oman opted to bat but were restricted to 135 for 7, a total that always looked below par. Captain Hammad Mirza set the tone early with a blazing 32 off 16 balls, striking three fours and two sixes. However, once the Indian spinners found their rhythm, momentum shifted firmly.
Leg-spinner Suyash Sharma was outstanding, picking up 2 for 12 in his four overs to dismiss Karan Sonavale (12) and Zikria Islam (0). Harsh Dubey (1/30) and Naman Dhir (1/5) kept a tight leash on the scoring through the middle phase, ensuring the pressure never eased.Wasim Ali battled hard for Oman, remaining unbeaten on a well-made 54 off 45 balls, but lacked support as wickets kept tumbling around him. Gurjapneet Singh’s two late strikes (2/37) further curtailed Oman’s hopes of a strong finish.With momentum on their side and a semifinal slot secured, India ‘A’ will look to carry this winning form into the business end of the tournament.India A will play the topper of Group A in the first semifinal on Friday while Pakistan play their last four clash also on the same day.
