Doha, Qatar – The Asia Cup Rising Stars T20 tournament kicks off on Friday, with teams from across the continent battling it out on Doha’s short pitches. India “A” and Pakistan’s emerging squad, the Shaheens, are among the eight teams that include Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, the UAE, and Oman.
Both captains expect a bowl‑friendly wicket that could bow a total of 160 runs to each side. “In the past T20 games here the scores hover around 150–160,” said India “A” skipper Jitesh Sharma, who has played 12 T20Is for India. “The wickets here are typical of the region, so we’re preparing for that.” He added that while T20 is unpredictable, good bowling can win the tournament, even if the batters dominate the match.
Pakistan’s 22‑year‑old skipper Irfan Khan echoed the same outlook. “We plan for a target of 160–170 runs and feel confident that if we bowl well we can defend it,” Khan said. He praised his squad’s clear roles, saying the players know what is expected of them and bring a strong team spirit.
On the opening day, India “A” face the UAE at West End Stadium in Asia Town, while Pakistan will open against Oman. Both teams look to use the day‑time conditions to their advantage.
India’s management has added a 14‑year‑old prodigy, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, to the squad. Suryavanshi made headlines last year by becoming the youngest player in the IPL and scoring a 35‑ball century, the fastest by an Indian in the franchise.
Sri Lanka captain Dunith Wellalage said his side has confidence after finishing runners‑up in the last edition. “We have a lot of experience and the training ground here is excellent,” he said. He believes careful execution will bring success.
Afghanistan, the defending champions, complete the group. The tournament will see Group A play in one pool and Group B in another, with the top two teams from each group moving on to the semi‑finals and final.
India “A” captain Jitesh Sharma reminded everyone that all matches matter: “We respect every opponent and aim to play fair cricket.” Pakistan’s Khan added, “We’re focused on the Friday game against Oman and plan to allow our instincts to guide us when the match begins.”
The Asia Cup Rising Stars in Doha offers a platform for emerging talent and a chance to showcase T20 skills on a stage that promises high‑energy cricket for fans across Asia.
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