The first semi-final of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 between Bangladesh A and India A at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha took a dramatic turn after a single moment shifted the entire momentum. India A were placed comfortably when Jitesh Sharma attempted a risky scoop shot to a full-length delivery, a decision that proved disastrous.
Jitesh completely misjudged the line of the ball, failed to make any contact, and watched it crash into his stumps. It was an unnecessary risk at a crucial stage, especially when India A needed stability rather than adventurous stroke play. His dismissal stunned the team and turned what could have been a smooth chase into a tense struggle.
Heading into the final five overs, India A needed 45 runs off 30 balls—a very chaseable equation at nine per over with six wickets still in hand. However, Nehal Wadhera struggled to find any rhythm. In his previous 12 deliveries, he managed only 11 runs, slowing down the chase significantly. With 16 runs required from the final six balls, India A’s hopes seemed to be fading fast.
Then came a moment of brilliance. Ashutosh Sharma lifted India A back into the contest with a towering six over long-on, reducing the target to 8 runs from 3 balls. Under pressure, Bangladesh A began to falter. Jishan Alam dropped Ashutosh at deep midwicket, and to add to the chaos, the ball rolled away for a boundary.
What was 32 year old youngster Jitesh Sharma even trying to do. Last game he played for pakistan & this game for bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/rh7miftp4r
— JJ (@JJhuMaybe) November 21, 2025
However, the momentum swung yet again when Rakibul Hasan bowled Ashutosh on the very next ball. India A now needed four runs off the final delivery. Harsh Dubey couldn’t find the middle of the bat while attempting a slog, and Wadhera bolted across for a single. Bangladesh A believed they had secured the win, but a lapse in awareness cost them dearly.
Instead of a calm throw to the keeper, the fielder hurled the ball wildly off target. Dubey seized the opportunity to sprint back for a second run. Keeper Akbar Ali, caught in the confusion, threw the ball at the stumps but missed. India A completed two runs and, capitalizing on the chaos, added an additional run. The incredible sequence pushed the tense semifinal into a Super Over, setting up a thrilling finish.