India into Asia Cup Final; Abhishek Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav Star; Sri Lanka Eliminated

  • September 24, 2025

In an electrifying Super 4 contest of the Asia Cup 2025 held in Dubai, India clinched a dominant 41-run triumph against Bangladesh, securing their advancement to the final showdown. The innings was highlighted by Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 75 off 37 balls, which built a strong platform, along with Kuldeep Yadav’s mesmerizing bowling display of 3/18.

In pursuit of a target of 169, Bangladesh were restricted to just 127 in 19.3 overs, with Saif Hassan contributing a spirited 69 off 51 deliveries. India’s dynamic start, spearheaded by Abhishek and Shubman Gill, shaped the course of the match. Even with some stumbles in the middle order, the Indian bowling unit ensured the Bangladesh chase was contained. This outcome meant Sri Lanka’s hopes of making it to the final were dashed, turning the Pakistan versus Bangladesh match into a critical decider for a place in the final.

Asia Cup 2025: Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill’s explosive opening powerplay

The opening partnership of Abhishek and Gill saw India’s powerplay become a showcase of forceful hitting. Having been put in to bat by Bangladesh’s interim captain Jaker Ali, they accelerated to 72/0 in a mere 6.2 overs, quickly recovering from a slow start of 17 runs in the initial three overs. Abhishek, who had an early reprieve on 7, upped the tempo, reaching his half-century in just 25 balls, demonstrating excellent timing and strength.

Gill added a brisk 29 before being dismissed by leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, ending the opening stand. The decision to send Shivam Dube in ahead of regular captain Suryakumar Yadav altered the batting order and didn’t pay off, as he scored only two off three balls. Despite the challenges faced by the middle order, Abhishek’s remarkable innings of 75 from 37 balls, including six boundaries and five sixes, kept India in a commanding position. Suryakumar’s 5 and Tilak Varma’s 5 offered little support, and Axar Patel’s labored 10 off 15 balls didn’t help to consolidate the innings, leaving India to conclude at 168/6.

Also READ: Asia Cup 2025: Mustafizur Rahman goes past Shakib Al Hasan, sets new milestone for Bangladesh in T20I cricket | IND vs BAN

Asia Cup 2025: Kuldeep Yadav and India’s spin attack restrict Bangladesh chase

As Bangladesh chased 169, their innings struggled to gain traction as the Indian bowlers tied them down with spin. Kuldeep’s left-arm spin resulted in figures of 3/18, Varun Chakaravarthy took 2/29, and Axar contributed 1/37, collectively putting the Bangladesh batsmen under continuous duress. India’s leading pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah made an early breakthrough, removing Tanzid Hasan Tamim in his opening over, thereby establishing control.

Only Saif showed resilience with a 69 off 51 balls, which included five sixes and three fours, before being caught by Axar at long-on. Bangladesh’s innings crumbled due to consistent wicket-taking and disciplined bowling from Kuldeep and Varun, which ensured India remained in command. Even with Saif’s brief resistance, the Tigers were all out for 127 in 19.3 overs. Following Sri Lanka’s exit from the competition, the victor of the upcoming game between Pakistan and Bangladesh will face India in the final on Sunday.

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