Dubai, September 25, 2025 — Pakistan booked their place in the Asia Cup 2025 final after a hard-fought 11-run win over Bangladesh in the Super Four stage at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday night. The victory not only confirmed Pakistan’s spot in the title clash but also set up a highly anticipated showdown with arch-rivals India the first-ever Asia Cup final between the two sides.
A Low-Scoring Thriller
Asked to bat first on a bowler-friendly surface, Pakistan endured a shaky start. The top order collapsed under relentless pressure from Bangladesh’s pace attack, slipping to 5 for 2 within the first two overs. Despite brief resistance, wickets continued to tumble, leaving the Green Shirts reeling at 47 for 4 by the halfway stage.
Fakhar Zaman and Hussain Talat fell to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, while captain Salman Ali Agha was trapped after a successful review off Mustafizur Rahman. Pakistan’s innings never quite recovered, but valuable cameos from Mohammad Haris (27), Mohammad Nawaz (26), and Faheem Ashraf (14 not out) lifted the total to 135 for 8.
Taskin Ahmed was the pick of Bangladesh’s bowlers, finishing with 3 for 28, while Rishad and Mahedi Hasan chipped in with two wickets each to keep Pakistan under pressure.
Afridi and Rauf Turn the Tide
Defending a modest total, Pakistan needed early breakthroughs and their pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered. Afridi ripped through Bangladesh’s top order, removing Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy in successive balls to put his side in command.
Saim Ayub, often recognized for his batting, made a crucial contribution with the ball, dismissing captain Jaker Ali at a pivotal moment and later claiming Nurul Hasan. Haris Rauf piled on the pressure with two quick strikes, including Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Taskin Ahmed, leaving Bangladesh’s chase in tatters.
Despite some resistance from the lower order, Bangladesh faltered to 124 for 9 in their 20 overs, falling 11 runs short of the target.
Afridi’s Historic Milestone
Afridi, who finished with figures of 3 for 17, was named Player of the Match his 10th such award in Men’s T20 Internationals, the most by any fast bowler in history. Alongside his bowling heroics, Afridi also contributed 19 runs with the bat.
Speaking at the presentation, he dedicated the award to his wife and son. “Early breakthroughs are crucial when defending small totals. That was the difference tonight,” he said. Afridi also revealed he had been working on the delivery that dismissed Shamim Hossain, calling it a “planned execution at the right time.”
Captain’s Delight and the Road Ahead
Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha praised his side’s collective spirit and credited coaches Mike Hesson and Shane McDermott for their behind-the-scenes support. “We’re very excited to reach the final,” Agha said. “We know what we need to do. On Sunday, we’ll go all out to beat India.”
Bangladesh captain Jaker Ali, meanwhile, lamented his side’s batting failures. “Our bowlers did really well, but as a batting unit, we’ve let ourselves down in the last two matches,” he admitted.
Score Summary
Pakistan 135-8 (20 overs)
Mohammad Haris 27, Mohammad Nawaz 26, Faheem Ashraf 14*; Taskin Ahmed 3-28, Rishad Hossain 2-21, Mahedi Hasan 2-27
Bangladesh 124-9 (20 overs)
Taskin Ahmed 20, Mahedi Hasan 15; Shaheen Afridi 3-17, Haris Rauf 2-20, Saim Ayub 2-15
Result: Pakistan won by 11 runs
Player of the Match: Shaheen Shah Afridi
