When the final ball of the regulation 20 overs ticked away on Sunday, November 23, 2025, both teams stood at 125 runs — a rare, nail-biting deadlock that sent the DP World Asia Cup Raising Stars 2025 final into a super over. No one expected it. Not after Bangladesh A had collapsed to 49 for 4 in their chase. Not after Pakistan Shaheens had imploded from 80 for 2 to 125 all out. But that’s cricket. And in Dhaka, under a sky heavy with tension, it delivered a final worthy of legend.
A Collapse and a Comeback
Pakistan Shaheens, led by captain Van Khanazi, won the toss and elected to bat. What followed was a textbook case of how quickly momentum can vanish. After reaching 80 for 2, the innings unravelled. Sad Masud, the lone bright spot with 38 off 51 balls, couldn’t find support. The middle order, including skipper Ian (9) and Aziz Da Lube (7), offered little resistance. Enter Ripon — the quiet assassin for Bangladesh A. His 3 for 25, including two crucial wickets in the 15th over, turned the tide. Rakul added 2 for 16, and the spinners — accurate, patient, unyielding — choked the life out of the innings. "Brilliant bowling," said Sports Central by DRM. "The plans were executed. The fast bowler hit the block hole. The spinners didn’t give an inch. Ripon? Outstanding."Chasing Shadows
Bangladesh A, skippered by Akbar Ali, didn’t fare much better. Their chase was a tightrope walk. Habibur Rakibu (26) and another batsman (24) provided brief flashes of hope. But wickets tumbled. At 97 for 8, the title seemed slipping away. Then came a moment of pure instinct: Emily, the wicketkeeper-batsman, tried to steal a single. Akbar Ali, stationed at mid-off, read it instantly. The throw was sharp. The stumps were broken. Run out. The crowd gasped. It was the kind of decision that separates good teams from champions.They scraped to 125 for 9. Identical scores. Super over. Again.
Super Over Drama: A Night to Remember
This was the second consecutive day Bangladesh A had won via super over — the first being a shocker against India two days prior. The script felt recycled. But the execution? Unmatched.For Pakistan Shaheens, Sadakut opened the batting. He managed 7 off 3 balls. Then came the magic. Danyal, the left-arm spinner, bowled four perfect deliveries. Two wickets. Only 11 runs. Pakistan ended at 11 for 2.
Bangladesh A’s turn. Arappad, back in the side after injury, was handed the ball. He didn’t just bowl — he mesmerized. Two wickets. Five runs. Four balls. One of them was a yorker that clipped the off stump. The other? A slower ball that deceived the batter into a wild swing. The crowd roared. The trophy was theirs.
Why This Matters
The DP World Asia Cup Raising Stars 2025 isn’t just a warm-up. It’s the proving ground for Asia’s next generation. These aren’t Test stars yet. But they’re the ones who’ll carry the flag in 2026’s T20 World Cup. Bangladesh A’s win isn’t just about lifting a trophy — it’s about identity. After the senior team lost both T20Is in Lahore in May-June 2025 (by 37 and 57 runs), this victory was a quiet rebellion. A message: talent isn’t just in the senior squad. It’s growing in the shadows.Meanwhile, Pakistan’s senior side — with Salman Ali Agha’s 56 off 34 and Hasan Ali’s historic 5 for 30 — dominated their tour. But their 'Shaheens' team, the developmental side, fell short. That contrast tells a story. One nation’s system is producing depth. The other’s is still reliant on its stars.
What’s Next?
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has already flagged this squad for the 2026 ACC Emerging Teams Cup. Danyal, Arappad, and Ripon are on shortlists for senior call-ups. Akbar Ali, 22, is being groomed as a future captain. And the super over? It’s now part of the tournament’s DNA. Officials are considering making it mandatory in all group-stage ties next year.As for Pakistan? They’ll need to rebuild their development pipeline. The senior team’s dominance doesn’t mask the fact that their 'A' side lacks resilience. And in cricket, depth wins tournaments — not just star power.
Background: The Senior Series Context
While the 'A' teams battled in Dhaka, the senior Bangladesh side was on the road. In May-June 2025, they toured Pakistan for a three-match T20I series. Pakistan won the first two: 201/7 (20 overs) beating Bangladesh 164 (19.2 overs) by 37 runs, then 201/6 (20 overs) beating them 144 (19 overs) by 57. Sahibzada Farhan (74 off 41) and Abrar Ahmed (3/19) were the heroes. Bangladesh’s Tanzim Hasan Sakib (50 off 31) and Shoriful Islam (50th T20I wicket) fought hard, but the gap was clear.The original FTP plan — three ODIs and three T20Is — was axed due to the 2026 T20 World Cup. The ODIs were replaced with T20Is, then reduced to just three. The third match, scheduled for July 24, 2025, in Dhaka, was meant to be a consolation. Jaker Ali’s 48-ball knock (source incomplete) may have salvaged pride. But the real story was unfolding in the 'A' teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Bangladesh A win two super overs in a row?
Bangladesh A’s success in super overs stems from disciplined spin bowling and calm under pressure. Danyal and Arappad delivered in both finals — against India and Pakistan — by mixing slower balls and yorkers with pinpoint accuracy. Their field placements were pre-planned, and the batters were forced into risky shots. This isn’t luck — it’s preparation. The team practiced super overs daily during camp, simulating high-pressure scenarios.
Who are the standout players from Bangladesh A’s win?
Ripon (3/25) was the match-winner with the ball in the main innings, while Danyal (2/11 in the super over) and Arappad (2/5 in the super over) sealed it. Akbar Ali’s leadership and Emily’s run-out showed tactical maturity beyond their years. Habibur Rakibu’s 26 off 32 was the backbone of the chase. All five are under 23 and likely to feature in Bangladesh’s senior squad by 2026.
Why is this tournament important for Asian cricket?
The DP World Asia Cup Raising Stars 2025 is the primary talent pipeline for Asian teams ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. With senior teams playing bilateral series, this tournament gives emerging players high-stakes exposure. Bangladesh A’s win signals a shift — their development system is producing match-winners, not just players. India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are watching closely.
Did the senior Pakistan team’s loss affect the Shaheens’ performance?
Not directly, but psychologically, it may have. The senior team’s dominance in Lahore created an expectation that the 'Shaheens' would follow suit. Instead, they collapsed under pressure, showing a gap between senior and developmental squad mentality. Bangladesh A, meanwhile, had no such baggage — they played freely, knowing they had nothing to lose. That mindset made all the difference.
What’s the next step for Bangladesh A’s players?
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has invited five players — Ripon, Danyal, Arappad, Akbar Ali, and Rakibu — to a senior training camp in December 2025. They’ll train alongside national squad members ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup qualifiers. If they perform, they’ll be named in the provisional squad. This is the fastest track to senior selection in recent memory.
Is the super over here to stay in developmental cricket?
Yes. After two consecutive super over finals in the Raising Stars 2025 tournament, tournament organizers are pushing to make it standard for all tied matches, even in group stages. The format creates drama, rewards nerve, and mirrors the high-stakes nature of modern T20 cricket. It’s becoming the signature of the tournament — and fans love it.
