Pakistan Beat Bangladesh, Reach Asia Cup Final.

  • September 25, 2025

In a crucial Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours contest held in Dubai on September 25, Pakistan and Bangladesh faced off in an intense 17th match. With the opportunity to advance to the final against India at stake, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh, choosing to bowl first after winning the coin toss, aimed to keep Pakistan to a manageable score and then pursue it to secure their place in the final. The game unfolded as Pakistan managed to score 135 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs, subsequently depending on their bowling squad to protect that target under the Dubai floodlights, ultimately clinching a narrow 11-run victory.

Pakistan’s innings marked by early setbacks and crucial lower-order stands

The Pakistan batting order encountered a tough start with early dismissals courtesy of Bangladesh’s leading bowler, Taskin Ahmed, who removed opener Sahibzada Farhan cheaply for 4 runs. Further wickets were claimed by Bangladesh spinners Rishad Hossain and Mahedi Hasan, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position at 49 for 5. Neither Fakhar Zaman nor Hussain Talat were able to consolidate, worsening Pakistan’s situation. However, important contributions from Salman Agha (19 from 23 balls), Mohammad Haris (31 from 23) and Mohammad Nawaz (25 from 15), coupled with brisk scoring at the end from Faheem Ashraf and Haris Rauf, enabled Pakistan to achieve a respectable total despite the top-order struggles.

Shaheen Shah Afridi added significant runs late in the innings with 19 runs off 13 balls, including two towering sixes that boosted the team’s morale. Taskin spearheaded the Bangladesh bowling attack with 3 wickets, but Pakistan’s recovery in the latter stages of the innings proved vital in posting 135/8 in their full 20 overs.

Pakistan’s bowlers hold nerve to wrap up Bangladesh chase

In pursuit of 136 for the win, Bangladesh also experienced early troubles as Parvez Hossain Emon was dismissed for no score in the opening over by Afridi. Although Shamim Hossain put up a spirited fight with 30, and other lower middle-order batsmen such as Nurul Hasan and Saif Hassan (18 off 15) offered some resistance, Bangladesh consistently lost wickets at critical junctures, hindering their ability to form substantial partnerships.

The Pakistani pace attack, led by Haris Rauf and Afridi, secured crucial dismissals, while Taskin’s energetic bowling resulted in three wickets although his efforts did not prevent the defeat. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling performance ensured they executed their strategies effectively under duress, controlling the middle and later overs to restrict the scoring rate. Bangladesh concluded their innings at 124 for 9 after 20 overs, falling short by 11 runs in a match defined by its nail-biting conclusion and intense competition. This triumph advanced Pakistan to the Asia Cup 2025 final against India, triggering widespread celebrations and setting the stage for a thrilling championship encounter.

Also WATCH: Mahedi Hasan plucks a brilliant catch to dismiss Mohammad Haris in PAK vs BAN Asia Cup 2025 clash

Here’s how fans reacted:

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x