Indian cricket fans witnessed an unforgettable showdown in Doha as India A and Bangladesh A battled in a high-stakes Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 semi-final that went right down to a nerve-wracking Super Over. Despite a heroic fightback during the chase, India A were knocked out after failing to score in the tie-breaker, allowing Bangladesh A to seal the match in dramatic fashion.
The contest sparked widespread debate due to India A’s surprising batting choices in the Super Over. Captain Jitesh Sharma and Ashutosh Sharma both fell for ducks, leaving India with no runs on the board. Bangladesh A clinched victory after a tense finish when Suyash Sharma conceded a decisive wide, leaving young star Vaibhav Suryavanshi disheartened in the dugout.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin reacted strongly to the encounter, calling it a match that “will stand the test of time.” He urged fans not to miss watching the replay, praising the intensity and drama that unfolded in the last-over thriller. His words echoed the sentiments of many who felt the match showcased exceptional talent and pressure-handling from both sides.
Earlier, ex-cricketers Maninder Singh and Dodda Ganesh criticised the Indian team management for not sending the in-form Suryavanshi for the Super Over. After the defeat, skipper Jitesh Sharma took complete responsibility, stating his decision was based on the experience of players who usually handle death overs.
Suryavanshi’s explosive knock earlier in the match set the tone for India A during their chase of 195. His fiery start powered the team to 50 runs in just 19 balls before his dismissal shifted momentum. India managed to drag the match to a Super Over after running three off the final ball, but the spark faded in the tie-breaker. Despite the heartbreak, Suryavanshi finished the tournament as one of the brightest performers with 239 runs in four innings, including a phenomenal 144 off 42 balls against UAE.