Pakistan Shaheens’ coach Mohammad Masroor credited the team’s victory over India in the Emerging Asia Cup final to the strategic inclusion of two players who were rested during the group stage match against the same opponents.
In the final, Pakistan secured a commanding 128-run win, with Sufiyan Muqeem and Tayyab Tahir playing pivotal roles. Masroor described these two players as the “surprise package” for India, highlighting the significant impact they had on the match.
The coach clarified that Muqeem and Tahir were rested during the group stage because Pakistan had already secured a spot in the semi-finals. This decision paid off in the final, as their fresh presence proved to be a game-changer.
During the final match, Pakistan faced a challenging situation after losing five wickets with just 187 runs on the board. However, Tayyab Tahir’s brilliant century turned the tide. He scored an impressive 108 runs off 71 balls, including 12 fours and 4 sixes, at a remarkable strike rate of 152.11.
India started well in the second innings, scoring 64 runs without losing a wicket in the initial 7 overs. Nonetheless, Arshad Iqbal’s crucial dismissal of Sudharsan for 29 runs and Sufiyan Muqeem’s excellent performance with the ball turned the game in Pakistan’s favor. Muqeem picked up three vital wickets, including those of Abhishek Sharma, Yash Dhull, and Harshit Rana, conceding 66 runs in his 10 overs.
The combined efforts of these two players and the strategic decision by the coaching staff played a crucial role in Pakistan Shaheens’ resounding victory over India, securing the Emerging Asia Cup title.
