Pakistan secures Asia Cup final spot against India with 11-run win over Bangladesh
The Greenshirts will play India in the final on September 28
Pakistan's Haris Rauf (R) celebrates with teammates after dismissing Bangladesh's Taskin Ahmed during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four Twenty20 international match at the Dubai International Stadium. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan booked their place in the Asia Cup 2025 final as they defeated Bangladesh by 11 runs in the death-or-glory Super Four match at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday night.
Pakistan bowler took the challenge well as they cornered Bangadesh batter eaving them with a 124 for nine at the end of their 20 overs.
This will be the first time Pakistan and India play each other in the Asia Cup final.
Shaheen Afridi was named the Player of the Match for his spectacular spell and the 19 runs he contributed to Pakistan's total.
“I want to dedicate this (award) to my beautiful wife and son,” he said at the post-match ceremony. “Early on, as a team, we need breakthroughs, and I go for that. In a small total, you need early breakthroughs, and we planned that. Three overs in the powerplay - that is the difference.”
He also revealed that he did not receive any advice from the dugout on the Shamim wicket, “No, no. I was working on this delivery and it's good that in the main time, I delivered. We needed that wicket and we did it.”
He also added that Pakistan team is ready for India final.
Captain Salman Ali Agha said that the win was a team effort, attributing success to coach Mike Hesson, and fielding coach Shane McDermott.
He also praised Shaheen and Haris.
He also expressed relief and delight on reaching the final.
On the other hand, Bangladesh Captain Jaker Ali expressed that his bowlers were the winners who could not be supported by the batters.
Pakistan finished their nightmare innings with a total of 135 runs for eight
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.