The cricketing world is abuzz as the Emerging Asia Cup 2025 heats up, with India A set to lock horns against Bangladesh A in what promises to be a thrilling semi-final clash at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha. Scheduled for Friday, November 21, 2025, this high-stakes encounter is drawing attention not just for the talent on display, but also for the fierce form both teams have shown throughout the tournament.
India A enters the contest riding high after a commanding victory over Oman, a result that ensured their qualification for the semi-finals. Their campaign has been defined by explosive batting and disciplined bowling, making them one of the most talked-about sides in the competition. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, in particular, has been the talk of the town—his 201 runs off just 83 balls at a staggering strike rate of 242.16 have set the tone for India A’s aggressive approach. Suryavanshi’s debut knock of 144 left fans and experts alike in awe, cementing his reputation as a player to watch.
Harsh Dubey has also been a revelation for India A. Promoted up the batting order, Dubey responded with an unbeaten 53 in the previous outing and has contributed with the ball as well, claiming three wickets at an average of 18 and maintaining an economy rate of just 6.75 runs per over. Meanwhile, Gurjapneet Singh’s pace and accuracy have yielded five wickets in eleven overs, with an enviable average of 16.6 and a wicket every 13.2 balls. This trio forms the backbone of the Indian side, and their performances have instilled confidence in the squad as they prepare for their toughest test yet.
Bangladesh A, on the other hand, arrives at the semi-final after an eventful group stage. While they stumbled against Sri Lanka A in their last group match, a crushing win over Afghanistan A propelled them into the knockouts on the strength of their net run-rate. The Bangladesh A side has shown both resilience and flair, with captain Rakibul Hasan leading from the front. Hasan’s four wickets at a miserly economy of 5.54 have put opposition batsmen under constant pressure, and his tactical acumen has been evident throughout the campaign.
Habibur Rahman Sohan has emerged as the leading run-scorer for Bangladesh A, amassing 137 runs in three games at an impressive average of 68.5 and a brisk strike rate of 220.96. His ability to find boundaries at will makes him a key threat to the Indian bowlers. Ripon Mondol, meanwhile, has turned heads with his pace, picking up seven wickets in just three matches at an average of 10.71, striking once every 10.2 balls. The likes of SM Meherob and Akbar Ali have also chipped in, ensuring Bangladesh A is anything but a one-man show.
“We know what’s at stake and we’re ready to give it everything,” said India A’s captain Jitesh Sharma in the pre-match press conference. “Our boys have shown tremendous character, and we’re focused on executing our plans against a very strong Bangladesh A side.” Bangladesh A’s skipper Rakibul Hasan echoed the sentiment: “We respect India A’s strengths, but our team spirit and bowling depth have been our biggest assets. We’re confident we can rise to the occasion.”
The West End Park International Cricket Stadium has proven to be a challenging venue for batsmen, with the average first-innings score dropping to around 150 in 2025, down from 170 at the start of the tournament. While the stadium has witnessed a couple of scores above 200, batting has generally not been easy, especially as the tournament has progressed. The pitch has favored spin bowlers, who average just 23.4 runs per wicket and maintain an economy rate of 6.85. Fast bowlers have found it tougher, conceding nearly eight runs an over and averaging 25.2 per wicket.
Interestingly, statistical trends at the venue suggest that chasing teams have had a slight edge, winning 54% of matches. Wickets tend to fall steadily across all phases—1.62 in the Powerplay, 2.46 in the middle overs, and 2.43 at the death—indicating that bowlers are never truly out of the game. Both India A and Bangladesh A possess spin options capable of exploiting these conditions, setting the stage for a fascinating battle of wits and skills.
Neither side has faced the other in their last five matches, meaning this semi-final will be a fresh chapter in their budding rivalry. With both teams boasting explosive batting lineups and potent bowling attacks, fans can expect a contest where momentum could shift in a matter of overs. The squads are packed with young talent eager to make an impression on the big stage—India A’s Jitesh Sharma, Abishek Porel, and Suryansh Shedge are all capable of game-changing performances, while Bangladesh A’s Akbar Ali, Yasir Ali, and SM Meherob bring experience and versatility.
Predictions from experts and AI models favor India A to clinch a spot in the final, with Vaibhav Suryavanshi tipped as the likely Player of the Match and Gurjapneet Singh expected to shine with the ball. Bangladesh A, however, is no stranger to defying expectations, and their bowling unit led by Ripon Mondol and Rakibul Hasan could easily turn the tables if they strike early.
Venue statistics suggest that a first-innings score above 160 could be competitive, but with both sides possessing explosive hitters, no total is truly safe. The toss could play a crucial role, with predictions suggesting Bangladesh A may win it and opt to field, hoping to exploit the chasing-friendly conditions.
As the teams prepare to take the field, anticipation is at fever pitch. Will Suryavanshi’s bat continue to blaze, or will Habibur Rahman Sohan script another memorable knock? Can the spinners weave their magic, or will the quicks have their day under the Doha sun? One thing is certain: the cricketing world will be watching as these two rising powers battle for a place in the Emerging Asia Cup final.
With both squads brimming with talent and determination, Friday’s semi-final promises to be a showcase of the next generation of cricketing stars. The outcome remains uncertain, but fans can expect drama, skill, and plenty of fireworks as India A and Bangladesh A vie for supremacy in Doha.