Pakistan finished their nightmare innings against Bangladesh with a total of 135 runs for eight in the death-or-glory Asia Cup 2025 Super Four fixture at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday evening.
Pakistan were 120 for eight as they lost big-hitter Muhammad Nawaz to Taskin in 18.2 overs, after smashing two sixes and a four during his time on the pitch.
Pacer Taskin has a brilliant spell on the night as he picked his third wicket with Nawaz, having dismissed Sahibzada Farhan and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The 30-year-old only gave away 28 runs, while spinners Rishad and Mahedi took two wickets each, bamboozling Pakistan's batting line-up.
After Nawaz, Faheem held the fort scoring 14 not out off nine and wrapped up the 20 overs with two runs on a full-toss, to set a target of 136 for Bangladesh to chase.
The 2012 Asia Cup winners successively lost half of the team in the 11th over against exceptional bowling by Bangladesh.
Mohammad Haris was looking to be the voice of reason and the man who was willing to stand on the pitch, but he too became impatient and was caught and bowled by Mahedi in the 17.3 overs.
Haris, with Muhammad Nawaz, who came after Salman Ali Agha, was having a good partnership for a bit before the disappointing shot. Pakistan were 109 for seven.
Despite losing Haris, Pakistan managed to get 12 runs from Mahedi’s over with Faheem Ashraf on the pitch.
Shaheen Shah Afridi also fell short of supporting Pakistan further, despite his best effort in the moment that resulted in 19 runs off 13 balls, when Taskin brought him down in the 13.4 overs.
The signs of frustration were apparent for Pakistan when captain Salman Ali Agha faltered on Mustafizur Rahman’s ball, who was declared a not-out on the appeal, but the review proved to be useful for Bangladesh.
Pakistan were hapless at 49 for five.
Pakistan batters struggle against Bangladesh bowlers
They stood 47 for four at the end of 10 overs.
The Greenshirts desparately looked for a sound partnership as they were devastated by incredible spells of leg spinner Rishad Hossain, claiming crucial wickets of Fakhar Zaman and Hussain Talat in the fixture that is touted as a ‘virtual semifinal’.
Pakistan are looking in bad shape against Bangladesh in the first five overs as well.
The Men in Green lost two quick wickets. Sahibzada Farhan said au revoir after facing four balls, on pacer Taskin Ahmed's ball, caught by Rishad Hossain.
Meanwhile, Saim Ayub showed his ineffectiveness when he chose a poor shot and left the field on a duck on spinner Mahedi Hasan's ball, against Hossain coming in handy with another catch, as Pakistan struggled at 5/2 in 1.4 overs.
Taskin and Mahedi are leading the bowling attack for Bangladesh.
Pakistani spin legend Mushtaq Ahmed looked proud as he is their bowling coach.
Skipper Salman Ali Agha has come to the rescue, aiming to play the captain’s innings.
On the positive side, Pakistan have all-rounders deep in their batting order to help the situation.
Bangladesh opted to bowl first as they face Pakistan
Bangladesh won the toss and they are putting Pakistan to bat first on a pitch that is touted to favour the seamers.
Pakistan are the weakest side among the major teams in Asia Cup 2025 when it comes to facing spinners,while Bangladesh is not great against pace attack.
The match is a virtual semifinal for the invigorated Pakistan, who defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets on September 23 and now aim to book their place in the final.
Meanwhile, a young Bangladesh team is coming into this match on the back of a defeat by India on Wednesday, September 24.
In that game, India defeated the young team by 41 runs.
Bangladesh is not even playing with their regular captain Litton Das, and have wicketkeeper Jaker Ali to fill his shoes. Ali is leading the team for the second time ever, compared to Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha, who will have an edge with more experience.
They have made three changes, looking for batting depth.
This is the last Super Four match for both Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The top two teams from the Super Four stage will play the final.
Bangladesh were victorious in two of their last three T20Is against Pakistan, which included a home series win earlier this year.
Bangladesh XI: Saif Hassan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali (capt & wk), Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (capt), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
What’s at stake for Pakistan?
If Pakistan wins their match against Bangladesh, they will set up the first-ever India vs Pakistan Asia Cup final.
The controversy of the handshake with India in their group match is still making rounds due to the hawkish political atmosphere between the two neighbouring countries.
Former captain Younis Khan feels there is an opportunity for the team to prove a point, and that is by winning.
“Pakistan was not up to the mark in the two matches, but a final against India will pump our players because it will be a title-deciding match,” Younis told the media.
“Win the final and then offer a handshake to Indian players.”
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