Maaz Sadaqat produced a breakout all-round performance, dismantling India A with the ball before blitzing an unbeaten 79 to power Pakistan A into the Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup semi-finals.
The 20-year-old left-arm spinner took 2 for 12 to spark India A’s stunning collapse from 91 for 2 to 136 all out. He then smashed a 47-ball 79*, sealing an eight-wicket win with supreme authority.
India A’s early success came through 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, whose fearless 45 off 28 balls kept the scoreboard moving on a turning surface. His strokeplay including a sublime inside-out drive and a clean slog over midwicket lifted India A to a brisk start before Sadaqat’s introduction changed everything.
Sadaqat’s clever drift, grip and changes of pace wrecked the middle order, removing Jitesh Sharma and Nehal Wadhera in quick succession. From a launchpad for 180, India A stumbled to 136, with Shahid Aziz cleaning up the tail after Sadaqat’s chokehold in the middle overs.
Then came Sadaqat’s second act, even more spectacular. Dropped early, he counterattacked immediately, taking down Gurjapneet Singh and legspinner Suyash Sharma inside the powerplay. His reverse sweep for six off Naman Dhir and a flat-bat rocket over long-on highlighted his range, as Pakistan A raced to 50 inside five overs.
Despite a couple of dropped chances, India A never regained control. Sadaqat finished unbeaten on 79, steering Pakistan A to 137 for 2 and securing their second straight win and a well-earned place in the semi-finals.
