The Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 kicks off on Friday, November 14, with Pakistan A taking on Oman in Match 1 at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha. This inaugural tournament brings together eight teams competing for the title. Pakistan A, also called the Shaheens, will be captained by Irfan Khan and includes players like Yasir Khan, Saad Masood, Ghazi Ghori, and Ahmed Daniyal. Oman will be led by Hammad Mirza, supported by Zikria Islam, Wasim Ali, Sufiyan Yousaf, and Aryan Bisht. Both sides aim to start their campaign positively. The match begins at 12:00 PM and will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network and streamed on SonyLIV. Pakistan A holds a 1-0 advantage in head-to-head encounters, having won their only previous meeting on October 21, 2024. The pitch at West End Park offers balanced conditions, with early assistance for pace bowlers and dew expected during the second innings.
Pitch Conditions and Key Players to Watch
The West End Park International Cricket Stadium pitch provides a balanced surface where pace bowlers can extract swing with the new ball during early overs, challenging batters initially. As the match progresses, the pitch settles, allowing established batters to play freely. Dew during the second innings makes the ball slippery for bowlers, potentially aiding teams chasing targets. Pakistan A skipper Irfan Khan could be pivotal with the bat despite modest numbers in 14 previous games. Left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, with 27 T20 wickets, is expected to trouble batters and play a crucial role for his team. Pakistan A are predicted to win based on their stronger squad depth and previous victory over Oman.
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