(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament in Doha will witness its marquee clash today as India 'A' takes on Pakistan 'Shaheens' at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium.
This Group B fixture is a crucial determinant of the group winner, with both sides having started their campaigns with comprehensive victories on Friday.
India 'A', captained by the experienced T20 specialist Jitesh Sharma, brings an intimidating batting lineup into the contest.
Their opening win over the UAE was characterised by an astonishing display of power-hitting, anchored by 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi's sensational 144 off just 42 balls, and Sharma's blistering 83 not out.
This performance saw India post a near-record 297/4, crushing the UAE by 148 runs.
While the young team has showcased their devastating potential, the question remains whether they can maintain that same aggressive tempo against a far more skilled and disciplined Pakistan bowling unit on a pitch generally expected to be more balanced. Spinner Gurjapneet Singh and pacer Yash Thakur will be key to India's bowling success.
Standing against them are the Pakistan Shaheens, led by Irfan Khan. The Shaheens started with a dominant 40-run victory over Oman, where their performance was built on the all-round efforts of players like Maaz Sadaqat, who smashed 96 not out, and a strong collective bowling performance led by the pace of Ubaid Shah.
Unlike India's focus on top-order fireworks, Pakistan relies on a more balanced batting card and a bowling attack that features internationals like fast bowler Ahmed Daniyal and spinner Sufiyan Muqeem.
Skipper Khan has stressed the importance of discipline, agreeing that a total of 160-170 is a par score for the venue, suggesting Pakistan will look to contain rather than compete in a free-for-all run fest.
The battle for victory, however, will likely be won in the early overs today.
Can the Shaheens' pacers and experienced spinners breach the defence of the in-form Indian top three?
Or will India's batting powerhouses like Suryavanshi, Sharma, and Nehal Wadhera continue their onslaught? The team that adapts best to the pressure of this historic rivalry and executes a measured game plan - as opposed to relying solely on momentum - will secure the win and an almost guaranteed semi-final spot.
The fifth match of the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament will feature a crucial Group B battle between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman at the West End Park Stadium today.
Both sides enter this fixture determined to secure their first points after suffering comprehensive defeats in their opening games on Friday.
In the two matches played Saturday, Bangladesh 'A' beat Hong Kong by 8 wickets. Hong Kong scored 167 for the loss of 8 wickets batting first. In reply, Bangladesh reached 171/2 off 11 overs only, thus winning the game by 8 wickets (with 54 balls remaining).
In the day's second match, Afghanistan 'A' beat Sri Lanka 'A' by three wickets.
Batting first, Sri Lanka A scored 170/9 in their 20 overs. In reply, defending champions Afghanistan scored 171/7 and ended the match with 1 delivery to spare Cup Rising Stars tournament India Shaheens

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