India A are just one win away from securing their place in the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 final, but their semifinal clash against Bangladesh A in Doha will be far from easy. While the team has progressed to the knockout stage, inconsistency in the top order has become a major concern.
So far, India’s batting has heavily revolved around Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who is the team’s standout performer with 201 runs, including a brilliant century and a vital 45-run knock. However, captain Jitesh Sharma, Naman Dhir, Priyansh Arya, and Nehal Wadhera have struggled to deliver consistent runs.
Ahead of the big semifinal, India A will need a collective effort with the bat and cannot rely solely on Suryavanshi.
Doha Pitch Report
The semifinal will be played at West End Park, Doha, a venue that has acted like a puzzle throughout the tournament.
- India scored 297/4 vs UAE in the opening match.
- But later, batting became extremely difficult against Pakistan A and Oman, where the pitch offered swing early and sharp turn later.
For the semifinal, early movement for fast bowlers is expected, followed by more assistance for spin in the second half of the innings. Teams winning the toss may prefer to bowl first, as chasing becomes slightly easier under afternoon conditions.
The weather is expected to be clear with no threat of rain, ensuring a full 40-over contest.
Bangladesh A
India A will not underestimate Bangladesh A, especially after watching their dominant bowling performance against Afghanistan A, where they bowled them out for just 78 runs.
Key threats for India include:
- Ripon Mondal (fast bowler) – sharp swing and accuracy
- Rakibul Hasan (left-arm spinner) – recently promoted to the senior T20I squad
Bangladesh A also showed great fight when they pushed Sri Lanka A into the final over, proving that they are capable of delivering under pressure.
With the bat, Bangladesh rely on:
- Habibur Rahman Sohan (opener)
- Kishore Abrar Ali (captain)
India will aim to dismiss both early to gain control of the game.
India A Bowling Has Been Impressive
While the batting has been inconsistent, India A’s bowling unit has been outstanding throughout the tournament.
Top performers include:
- Gurjapneet Singh (left-arm pacer) – 5 wickets in 3 matches
- Harsh Dubey (left-arm spinner) – wickets + a crucial fifty vs Oman
- Suyash Sharma (leg-spinner) – regular breakthroughs
Harsh Dubey, who has also contributed as an opener in domestic cricket, shared that early batting exposure helps him stay composed in pressure situations.
Key Player to Watch: Vaibhav Suryavanshi
All eyes will once again be on Vaibhav Suryavanshi, India A’s most dependable batter so far.
If India are to reach the final, Suryavanshi must anchor the innings while the rest of the top order steps up to provide meaningful partnerships.
Possible Playing XIs
India A
Jitesh Sharma (C), Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nehal Wadhera, Naman Dhir, Ramandeep Singh, Harsh Dubey, Ashutosh Sharma/Yash Thakur, Gurjapneet Singh, Vijay Kumar Vyshak, Suyash Sharma
Bangladesh A
Akbar Ali (C), Habibur Rahman, Yasir Ali, Rakibul Hasan, Zeeshan Alam, Mahidul Alkon, Tufail Ahmed, Mehrab Hasan, Ripon Mondal, Abu Hider Rony, Abdul Gaffar
With a final berth on the line, the India A vs Bangladesh A semifinal promises high intensity, exciting matchups, and a real test of temperament. India rely heavily on Vaibhav Suryavanshi, but to beat a strong Bangladesh attack, the top order must rise to the occasion. On the other hand, Bangladesh A enter the contest with confidence and a sharp bowling unit capable of turning the match at any moment. A thrilling battle awaits in Doha – and if India win, a blockbuster India vs Pakistan final could be on the cards.
