In a stunning display of power-hitting, Vaibhav Suryavanshi unleashed a phenomenal innings of 144 runs off just 42 balls to guide India A to a mammoth total of 297/4 in 20 overs against United Arab Emirates in the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 opener in Doha.
The India A captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first, immediately setting the stage for an explosive encounter. Suryavanshi, the southpaw, dominated from the outset, reaching his fifty in just 17 balls and completing a scintillating century in 32 balls. His innings featured 11 boundaries and 15 towering sixes, leaving UAE’s bowlers struggling to find answers.
Suryavanshi’s strike-fest was complemented by Naman Dhir, who contributed 34 runs, and shared a rapid 163-run partnership for the second wicket off just 57 balls. Jitesh Sharma also played a pivotal role, scoring a fiery 50 not out, providing the finishing flourish that pushed India A close to the 300-run mark.
With such a massive total, India A now have UAE in a daunting position. The chase of 298 is already placing pressure on UAE’s batsmen, who will have to go all out from the first ball. Early wickets will be crucial if UAE are to have any chance of mounting a competitive total.
The pitch in Doha proved to be a hitter’s paradise, with the boundaries small and the outfield fast, aiding stroke-makers like Suryavanshi. Fielding errors and missed chances also compounded UAE’s woes as India A raced to the formidable total.
Analysts are already lauding Suryavanshi’s innings as one of the most destructive T20 knocks in Rising Stars history. The strike rate of 342.85 underscores his dominance and ability to accelerate at any stage of the innings. His performance sets the tone for India A’s campaign, giving them a psychological edge over UAE.
UAE, meanwhile, will need their senior players to step up. The bowlers must take early wickets, and batsmen will have to maintain composure under pressure. Any slow start could see the match slipping away quickly, given India A’s power-hitting depth and confidence.
The match also highlights India A’s bench strength. With rising stars like Suryavanshi and Naman Dhir performing spectacularly, India’s future in T20 cricket looks promising. The synergy between experienced players like Jitesh Sharma and the young guns makes India A a formidable opponent in the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025.