As the next generation of Asian cricketers gears up for the Asia Cup Rising Stars beginning Friday in Doha, both India ‘A’ captain Jitesh Sharma and Pakistan Shaheens skipper Irfan Khan agree that a total of around 160 runs could be a match-winning score at the West End Stadium.
Bowlers Hold the Key, Says India’s Jitesh Sharma
India ‘A’ open their campaign against hosts UAE in the second match on Friday, while Pakistan face Oman in the tournament opener earlier in the day.
Jitesh Sharma, who has represented India in 12 T20Is, said the team has studied recent data from the venue and adjusted its plans accordingly.
We have got some data from the games already played here, and most of the scores have been around 150–160. So, based on that, we are preparing and assuming that these wickets will play like typical Asian wickets.
When asked about the balance between bat and ball, Sharma said tournaments are won by bowlers.
Batsmen win you games, but bowlers win you tournaments. Whichever team bowls well will have the best chance to win here. We’re lucky to have a strong support staff and excellent analysts backing us.
Pakistan’s Irfan Khan Confident in Balanced Squad
At just 22, Pakistan captain Irfan Khan is leading a confident young side. Having played nine ODIs and 14 T20Is, Khan said his team is well prepared for the conditions in Doha.
We have studied the playing conditions here. We feel 160–170 runs is a good target to defend. If you bowl well, you can defend it.
Khan praised his teammates’ professionalism and maturity. “I don’t have to boss around because the players know their roles well. Everyone takes responsibility, and the atmosphere in the dressing room is really good. You’ll see positive results,” he said.
When asked about Sunday’s much-anticipated India–Pakistan clash, Khan brushed aside the hype.
Right now, we’re focused only on the match against Oman. There’s no pressure. We have faith in our abilities and will play instinctively.
Sri Lanka Aim to Go One Better
Sri Lanka ‘A’, runners-up in the previous edition, enter the tournament with renewed purpose under captain Dunith Wellalage.
We came here after finishing second last time, so we know what it takes to go deep in a tournament. Conditions in Qatar are quite similar to home, which gives us confidence.
The 22-year-old, who has already represented Sri Lanka in all formats, highlighted the team’s chemistry. “Most of us have played together since the Under-19 level. The understanding is strong, and we trust each other’s abilities. We respect every opponent but believe in our squad.”
He also praised the organisers. “I’m grateful to the Asian Cricket Council and to Qatar for hosting this event,” he said.
Spotlight on 14-Year-Old Indian Prodigy
Among the exciting names in the tournament is 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the youngest member of the India ‘A’ squad. The left-handed batsman from Bihar made headlines in the IPL after smashing a 35-ball century for Rajasthan Royals, becoming the youngest and fastest Indian centurion in league history.
Tournament Snapshot: Group A: Afghanistan ‘A’, Sri Lanka ‘A’, Bangladesh ‘A’, Hong Kong; Group B: India ‘A’, Pakistan Shaheens, UAE, Oman
Fixtures: • Nov 14: Oman vs Pakistan; India vs UAE
• Nov 15: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong; Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka
• Nov 16: Oman vs UAE; India vs Pakistan
• Nov 17: Hong Kong vs Sri Lanka; Afghanistan vs Bangladesh
• Nov 18: Pakistan vs UAE; India vs Oman
• Nov 19: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong; Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
• Nov 21: Semi-finals
• Nov 23: Final
