DUBAI; Pakistan booked their place in the Asia Cup 2025 final with a hard-fought 11-run victory over Bangladesh in the Super Fours clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
The win set up a historic final against arch-rivals India, the first time the two nations will meet in the title decider of the continental tournament.
Defending a modest total of 135, Pakistan’s pace duo Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf delivered decisive spells, claiming three wickets apiece to restrict Bangladesh to 124/9 in 20 overs.
Despite a spirited 30-run effort from Shamim Hossain, Bangladesh failed to build partnerships and collapsed under sustained pressure.
Shaheen struck early, removing opener Parvez Hossain Emon for a duck in the first over. The Tigers never recovered from the shaky start, slipping to 29/3 within the first five overs.
Brief resistance from Nurul Hasan and Mahedi Hasan added 15 runs before Mohammad Nawaz broke through. Shamim tried to revive the chase with a quick 30 off 25 balls but once Shaheen dismissed him in the 17th over, Pakistan tightened their grip. Haris then struck twice in the same over, virtually sealing the contest.
Earlier, Bangladesh had chosen to field first, and their bowlers delivered. Pakistan’s innings began disastrously, losing three of their top four within eight overs for just 33 runs.
Taskin Ahmed and Rishad Hossain made early inroads, while Mustafizur Rahman dismissed skipper Salman Ali Agha for 19. At 49/5, Pakistan appeared in deep trouble until Shaheen Afridi played a cameo, smashing 19 off 13 balls to inject momentum.
The crucial partnership came between Haris and Nawaz, who stitched 38 runs for the seventh wicket. Haris top-scored with a composed 31 off 23 deliveries, while Nawaz chipped in with a brisk 25 off 15. Pakistan eventually finished at 135/8, a total that looked under par but proved defendable thanks to their bowling.
For Bangladesh, Taskin was the pick of the bowlers with 3/28, while Mahedi Hasan and Rishad Hossain claimed two each.
Shaheen Afridi, named Player of the Match, credited his powerplay burst as the turning point, saying, “The early breakthroughs were vital. Those overs made the difference.” He also dedicated the award to his wife and son.
Skipper Salman Ali Agha hailed the resilience of his team, praising Haris as a “special player” for his game-changing innings.
With this win, Pakistan not only secured a place in the final but also ensured fans across the region will witness a much-anticipated Pakistan–India clash for the Asia Cup crown.
