Doha (Special Correspondent): Pakistan Shaheens are set for Men’s Rising Stars Asia Cup challenge as they take on Oman in the opening match of the T20 tournament on 14 November. The eight-team competition will be played at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha.

Pakistan Shaheens led by Muhammad Irfan Khan are placed in Group B alongside Oman, India ‘A’ and UAE. Group A comprises Afghanistan ‘A’, Bangladesh ‘A’, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka ‘A’.

After their opening match against Oman, Pakistan Shaheens will face India ‘A’ on Sunday, 16 November, before playing their final group fixture against UAE on Tuesday, 18 November.

According to the tournament format, the top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals on 21 November, while the final is scheduled for Sunday, 23 November.

Before the team’s departure on 12 November, Pakistan Shaheens underwent a four-day training camp at the Hanif Muhammad High Performance Centre in Karachi from 8 to 11 November. The squad also held their first training session in Doha earlier today to fine-tune preparations ahead of the event.

Talking to PCB Digital ahead of the opening game, Ijaz Ahmed Jnr, head coach of Pakistan Shaheens said:

“Our camp in Karachi went very well where the players were fully focused, disciplined and the sessions were well-structured. Before arriving in Doha, we observed the local conditions and noted that the pitches here tend to play a little low, so we defined clear roles for each player and worked on specific game plans accordingly.

“Today was our first training session in Doha and the practice wickets are quite similar to the main pitch. We are preparing according to our strengths, focusing on consistent bowling lines and lengths and on smart shot selection in batting. The boys have shown great energy and positive intent.

“We face Oman tomorrow and in T20 cricket no team can be taken lightly. Our plans are based on detailed analysis and the players are mentally prepared and confident. We will stick to our strengths and play positive cricket throughout the tournament.”

15-member squad:

Muhammad Irfan Khan (captain), Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Faiq, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Naeem, Mohammad Salman, Mohammad Shahzad, Mubasir Khan, Saad Masood, Shahid Aziz, Sufiyan Moqim, Ubaid Shah and Yasir Khan

Shaheens fixtures in Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars:

v Oman – 14 November, West End Park International Cricket Stadium

v India ‘A’ – 16 November, West End Park International Cricket Stadium

v UAE – 18 November, West End Park International Cricket Stadium