The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has unveiled the schedule for the 2026 Rising Asia Cup, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash between India A and Pakistan A on November 22 at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha. This eagerly anticipated encounter is part of Group B, which also includes Nepal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
India A will kick off their campaign against Nepal on November 20, followed by the showdown with Pakistan A. They will conclude their group-stage matches against the UAE on November 24. The tournament features eight teams divided into two groups, with Group A comprising Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, Afghanistan A, and Hong Kong, China.
Each team will face the other three sides in their group in a single round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, slated for November 26 and 27, with the final scheduled for November 29. The majority of the matches, including the final, will be held at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium, while the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) Cricket Ground will host the opening match on November 19.
India A's Previous Performance
In the 2025 edition of the Rising Asia Cup, India A had a mixed run. They started strong with a commanding 148-run victory over the UAE in their opening Group B match in Doha. India A posted an imposing total of 297/4 in 20 overs and then restricted the UAE to 149/7.
However, their momentum faltered in the next match against Pakistan A, where they suffered an eight-wicket defeat. India A was bowled out for 136, and Pakistan A chased down the target in just 13.2 overs. Despite this setback, India A bounced back with a six-wicket win over Oman, securing their place in the semi-finals.
In the semi-final, India A faced Bangladesh A in a thrilling contest. Both teams ended their innings with identical scores of 194/6, leading to a Super Over. Unfortunately for India A, Bangladesh emerged victorious in the tie-breaker, knocking India out of the tournament.
Pakistan A, on the other hand, advanced to the final after defeating Sri Lanka A by five runs in the second semi-final. The final against Bangladesh A was another nail-biter, ending in a tie with both teams scoring 125. Pakistan A clinched the title by winning the Super Over.
Teams typically field their 'A' sides in the Rising Asia Cup, providing a platform for emerging talent. In 2025, Jitesh Sharma captained India A, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also part of the squad. The tournament offers these young players an opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage.
As the 2026 Rising Asia Cup approaches, all eyes will be on the India-Pakistan clash, a fixture that never fails to capture the imagination of cricket fans. With both teams eager to prove their mettle, the encounter promises to be a highlight of the tournament.
