Pakistan secured their place in the Asia Cup 2025 final after a hard-fought 11-run victory over Bangladesh in Dubai. The win confirmed a long-awaited clash with India, marking the first time the two rivals will meet in an Asia Cup final.
Bangladesh, chasing a modest 136-run target, were restricted to 124 for nine in their 20 overs. Despite Shamim Hossain’s fighting 30-run knock, the Tigers fell short against a disciplined Pakistani bowling attack. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf played decisive roles, taking three wickets each to ensure Pakistan’s progress.
Early Breakthroughs by Pakistan’s Bowlers
Bangladesh’s innings faltered from the start. Shaheen Afridi dismissed Parvez Hossain Emon for a duck in the very first over. Saif Hassan, who managed 18 runs, attempted to steady the chase with Towhid Hridoy. However, both fell in quick succession, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 29 for three within the powerplay.
Mahedi Hasan and Nurul Hasan attempted to revive the innings with a cautious stand. Their partnership added only 15 runs before Mohammad Nawaz broke through, sending Mahedi back in the eighth over. Shamim Hossain then shouldered responsibility with a composed knock that kept Bangladesh in the contest. However, Shaheen returned to dismiss him in the 17th over, ending Bangladesh’s hopes of a late recovery.
Haris Rauf struck twice in the 18th over to leave Bangladesh reeling at 101 for nine. The lower order could not close the gap, allowing Pakistan to seal the game with clinical bowling and sharp fielding.
Pakistan’s Struggles with the Bat
Earlier, Pakistan’s batting order faced serious challenges. Their innings began poorly, with Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub dismissed early. By the end of the second over, Pakistan had only five runs on the board.
Fakhar Zaman tried to anchor the innings alongside skipper Salman Ali Agha. However, Rishad Hossain removed Fakhar for 18, followed by Hussain Talat, leaving Pakistan in deeper trouble. At 33 for four in the eighth over, pressure mounted heavily.
Salman Ali Agha attempted to stabilize but fell to Mustafizur Rahman for 19. With Pakistan five down for just 49 runs, the innings looked bleak. In a tactical move, Shaheen Afridi was promoted up the order. His 19 from 13 balls, featuring two sixes, provided a brief boost before Taskin Ahmed dismissed him.
Haris and Nawaz Lead Fightback
The turning point came with a seventh-wicket partnership between Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Nawaz. Together, they added 38 runs in just 24 deliveries. Haris top-scored for Pakistan with 31 off 23 balls, striking three boundaries and a six. Nawaz contributed 25 off 15, including two sixes. Their counterattack lifted Pakistan to 135 for eight in the allotted 20 overs.
Taskin Ahmed was Bangladesh’s best bowler, claiming three wickets for 28 runs. Mahedi Hasan and Rishad Hossain supported with two wickets each, while Mustafizur Rahman picked one.
A Historic Final Awaits
Pakistan’s victory not only ensured their place in the final but also set the stage for one of cricket’s most anticipated encounters. The Men in Green will now face India for the first time in an Asia Cup final, ending a 41-year wait for such a showdown. The contest promises high drama as both sides bring strong form and fierce rivalry to the grand stage.
