Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan Beat Bangladesh by 11 Runs, set up historic final vs India

September 26, 2025

Dubai: Pakistan booked a place in the Asia Cup final against India after defeating Bangladesh by 11 runs in a low-scoring Super 4 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. This will be the first time the two arch-rivals meet in the Asia Cup summit clash.

Batting first, Pakistan were restricted to 135 for eight by disciplined Bangladeshi bowling in humid conditions. Senior bowlers Mustafizur Rahman (1/33), Taskin Ahmed (3/28), and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain (2/18) exploited the tacky pitch to keep the Men in Green under check. Mohammed Haris (31 off 23 balls), Shaheen Shah Afridi (19), and Mohammed Nawaz (25 off 15 balls) provided the late impetus to reach a defendable total.

In response, Bangladesh’s chase faltered early. Top-order failures from Saif Hassan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, and Jaker Ali saw the Tigers crumble under pressure. Shamim Hossain top-scored with 30, but Pakistan bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf claimed three wickets each, dismantling the chase and securing victory.

Pakistan’s innings had its hiccups too, with opener Sahibzada Farhan (4) falling to Taskin Ahmed, marking Taskin’s 100th T20 International wicket. Fakhar Zaman (13), Hussain Talat (3), and Salman Ali Agha (19) also failed to deliver. Yet Afridi, Haris, and Nawaz’s late hitting ensured Pakistan crossed 125, proving decisive on a challenging batting track.

With this win, Pakistan will face India in the Asia Cup final on Sunday, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash between the subcontinent’s cricketing giants.