• Pakistan Shaheens lost to India A by seven runs at Oman Cricket Academy Ground.
• Arafat Minhas and Haider Ali tried to save the innings, but their dismissals led to Pakistan’s hopesfading.
• Despite efforts from Pakistan’s bowlers, India’s early runs secured the win.

In a tense clash at the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, Pakistan Shaheens narrowly lost to India A by seven runs at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground on Saturday. Chasing a target of 184, Pakistan fell short, scoring 176 for seven wickets.

India A, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, posted a total of 183/8. Despite steady fall of wickets, their top-order batsmen put up notable performances. Abhishek Sharma made 35 off 22 balls, Prabhsimran Singh scored 36 off 19, captain Tilak Varma contributed 44 from 35, and Nehal Wadhera added 25 from 22 balls. With a run-rate of 9.15, India finished their innings strong.

In response, Pakistan’s chase started poorly with captain Muhammad Haris dismissed on the second ball after hitting a six. Omair Yousuf followed soon, scoring just two runs. Opener Yasir Khan (33 off 22) and Qasim Akram (27 off 21) briefly steadied the innings, but Pakistan found themselves struggling at 100/4 in the 13th over.

Arafat Minhas and Haider Ali tried to rescue the innings, but Haider’s dismissal left Minhas to battle alongside Abdul Samad, who contributed a quick 25 from 15 balls. However, after their departure, Pakistan’s hopes faded, allowing India to claim victory.

Pakistan’s bowlers had kept the pressure on India, with Sufiyan Muqeem taking two wickets, while Mohammad Imran, Zaman Khan, Arafat Minhas, and Qasim Akram took one each. Despite their efforts, India’s early runs proved decisive, sealing the win for India A.

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