WATCH: Naman Dhir gives a cold stare after Pakistan A spinner sparks controversy with aggressive send-off in Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025

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Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 witnessed an intense moment during the India A vs Pakistan A fixture in Doha as Indian batter Naman Dhir and Pakistan’s young leg-spinner Saad Masood found themselves in the spotlight for an on-field altercation. The dramatic exchange occurred in the ninth over when Masood dismissed Dhir after being hit for a boundary off the previous delivery.

On the fourth ball of the over, Dhir executed a fine paddle sweep that raced past short fine leg, showcasing his quick reflexes and confident intent. However, his aggression lasted only one ball longer as Masood tossed up a slightly slower delivery, which Dhir mistimed and lofted straight into the hands of Pakistan A skipper Irfan Khan at extra cover.

Following the dismissal, Masood turned toward the departing batter, pointing animatedly toward the dugout, gesturing him to walk off. The send-off immediately drew reactions across social media, where fans debated whether Masood’s actions crossed the line of sportsmanship.

Dhir, known for his calm composure and competitive edge, responded with a brief stare before walking away silently, avoiding any verbal exchange. The moment, however, left the stadium buzzing, with commentators remarking on how the heated rivalry between India and Pakistan tends to resurface even in youth and developmental tournaments.

— Billy Bowden (@billybowdenn) November 16, 2025

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Before the controversy, the series had already gained attention for India’s powerful batting display in earlier matches. India A, led by wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, entered the tie after a dominant performance against UAE, where 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed a record-equalling 32-ball century. The teenage opener’s blistering 144 off 42 deliveries included 15 sixes and 11 fours, matching Rishabh Pant’s 2018 feat for Delhi and firmly announcing his arrival on the global stage.

Suryavanshi’s heroics, combined with Jitesh’s lightning 83 off 32 balls, propelled India A to an imposing total of 297/4 — one of the highest in T20 developmental cricket. The young Rajathan Royals opener has quickly earned comparisons with India’s world No.1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma, who, alongside Gujarat’s Urvil Patel, holds the record for the fastest Indian century in T20s off just 28 balls in the 2024–25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

For Pakistan A, Masood’s energy and aggression have made him a focal point of the bowling attack. His ability to turn the ball sharply and unsettle batters with variations has drawn praise from domestic legends. However, his fiery persona also reignited debates over on-field conduct, echoing past India-Pakistan clashes where emotions have influenced play.

With both teams unbeaten in Group B, the encounter carried high stakes as players from both sides sought to impress selectors ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup cycle. Despite the controversy, the fixture once again highlighted the electric atmosphere and passionate rivalries that define subcontinental cricket, proving that even developmental tournaments can mirror the intensity of senior-level internationals.

Also READ: “Kuch pressure nahi feel hota…”: Vaibhav Suryavanshi after smashing 32-ball century for India A vs UAE in Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025