Pakistan beat Bangladesh in thriller to book Asia Cup final spot against India

Pakistan’s bowlers held their nerve under pressure to seal a thrilling 11-run victory over Bangladesh in the Super Four stage on Thursday, booking a blockbuster Asia Cup 2025 final against arch-rivals India.

At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan successfully defended a modest total of 135 for 8, restricting Bangladesh to 124 for 9 in their 20 overs. The victory highlighted Pakistan’s bowling strength, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf delivering match-winning spells.

Bangladesh Collapse in Chase

Chasing what looked like a manageable target, Bangladesh stumbled from the outset. Parvez Hossain Emon fell for a duck, while Saif Hassan’s 18 was the highest contribution among the top order. Shamim Hossain attempted to steady the innings, but Pakistan’s relentless attack never allowed momentum to build.

Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf each grabbed three wickets, while Saim Ayub chipped in with two, dismantling Bangladesh’s hopes of a comeback. The Tigers’ tail offered resistance but ultimately succumbed, leaving them 11 runs short of the mark.

Pakistan’s Struggles with the Bat

Earlier, Bangladesh’s bowlers dominated proceedings after electing to field first. Taskin Ahmed led the charge with 3 for 28, while Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, and Mahedi Hasan provided crucial breakthroughs on a surface offering grip and turn.

Pakistan lost Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub cheaply, crawling to just 27 for 2 at the end of the Powerplay. Fakhar Zaman and Salman Agha attempted to rebuild but fell quickly to Rishad’s clever variations. Mustafizur struck a crucial blow by removing skipper Agha Salman, deepening Pakistan’s troubles.

Promoted up the order, Shaheen Afridi rode his luck with two dropped catches and a narrow LBW escape, managing a six before Taskin removed him with a full toss.

A late stand between Mohammad Haris (31) and Mohammad Nawaz (25) provided much-needed runs, lifting Pakistan past the 130 mark. But both fell in quick succession as Bangladesh kept the scoring in check.

Bowlers Seal the Deal

Though the target seemed under par, Pakistan’s bowlers rose to the challenge. Afridi’s fiery new-ball burst and Rauf’s sharp pace rattled Bangladesh, while Saim Ayub’s double strike derailed the middle order. The collective effort ensured that Pakistan’s modest total proved enough on the night.

Clash of Titans Ahead

With this victory, Pakistan set up a high-stakes final against defending champions India on Sunday. The showdown promises to be one of the most anticipated encounters in recent Asia Cup history, with both teams in fine form and the title on the line.