Doha, Qatar – The West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha is set to host a high-octane clash between India A and Pakistan A in the Rising Stars Asia Cup on November 16, 2025. As the two arch-rivals prepare to face off, all eyes are on the pitch conditions at this venue.
The pitch at West End Park is generally considered balanced, offering opportunities for both batsmen and bowlers. Early in the game, fast bowlers can expect decent swing and bounce, especially with the new ball. The surface tends to settle as the match progresses, becoming more conducive to batting and allowing batsmen to play big knocks. The stadium has modern pavilions and player facilities and seating for 13,000 fans.
However, dew could become a significant factor in the second innings, making it easier to chase and more challenging for bowlers, particularly if they lack control in the death overs. Gentle breezes often provide assistance to swing bowlers during the powerplay overs. Spinners, on the other hand, may find more assistance in the middle overs. The weather is expected to be warm and dry. The temperature is expected to reach around 28.9°C, with a possibility of light clouds.
Recent matches at the venue suggest that chasing has become slightly easier, especially in dewy night games. In a recent match, Colombo Stars chased down a target of 123 with ease, and UAE chased down Qatar's 177 comfortably. Saudi Arabia also successfully chased 136, further confirming the preference for batting second.
Historically, the average first innings score at West End Park is 148, while the average second innings score is 134. The highest total recorded is 206/3, while the highest successful chase is 175/7. Considering these factors, the ideal first innings target is 160+.
Ahead of this match, India A secured a comfortable 148-run victory against the UAE, with Vaibhav Suryavanshi scoring a remarkable 144 off 42 balls and Jitesh Sharma contributing 83 off 32. Pakistan A, on the other hand, registered a narrow 40-run win against Oman, with Maaz Sadaqat's 96 off 54 and Irfan Khan's 44 off 21 being instrumental in their victory.
For India A, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya are expected to open the innings, while Pakistan A is likely to have Mohammad Naeem and Maaz Sadaqat as their openers. The key bowlers for India A will be Ramandeep Singh, Gurjapneet Singh, and Yash Thakur, while Pakistan A will rely on Ubaid Shah and Maaz Sadaqat.
Given the pitch conditions and recent performances, the team winning the toss may prefer to bowl first, especially if the game is played under lights. An ideal strategy would be to restrict the opposition to a manageable total and then capitalize on the batting-friendly conditions in the second innings.
With both India A and Pakistan A entering the match with victories under their belts, a thrilling contest is on the cards. The team that adapts better to the pitch conditions and executes their plans effectively is likely to emerge victorious in this high-voltage clash.
