Pressure Breaks Bangla: Pakistan Advances to Asia Cup Final Clash with India

On Thursday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh faltered in their pursuit of a modest 136-run target, paving the way for the first-ever Asia Cup final clash between fierce rivals India and Pakistan.

With 39 runs needed from the last 20 balls, Bangladesh pinned their hopes on Shamim Hossain. However, his attempt to reverse scoop a slower ball from Shaheen Shah Afridi ended up being caught behind point, virtually sealing Bangladesh’s fate.

Afridi was aggressive right from the PowerPlay, dismissing Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy. Meanwhile, Haris Rauf’s blistering pace led to a crucial wicket as Saif Hassan was caught off a leading edge, putting Bangladesh on the back foot.

Bangladesh’s fragile middle-order struggled against spin, with batters committing too early and allowing Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub to claim three wickets between them.

Earlier, Pakistan’s lower order had to mend a faltering innings. A notable seventh-wicket partnership of 38 runs between Mohammad Haris and Nawaz was the highlight, with Afridi providing an entertaining 19 runs off 13 balls.

Promoted to No. 7, Afridi played with risk, breaking free for two massive sixes on the leg side. After two missed opportunities, a determined sprint from wicketkeeper Jaker Ali to midwicket finally ended Afridi’s adventurous innings.

Rishad Hossain made a significant impact, being involved in Pakistan’s first four dismissals. He caught Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman at backward point and long-off, then removed Saim Ayub and Hussain Talat.

Pakistan skipper Salman Agha looked comfortable against spin until a deceptive cutter from Mustafizur Rahman saw him out, leaving Pakistan struggling at 49 for five. However, Agha’s team rallied to secure an 11-run victory.

Scores:
Pakistan 135/8 in 20 overs (Mohammad Haris 31, Mohammad Nawaz 25, Taskin Ahmed 3/28) triumphed over Bangladesh 124/9 in 20 overs (Shamim Hossain 30, Shaheen Shah Afridi 3/17, Haris Rauf 3/33). Bangladesh won the toss.

Published on September 26, 2025.