Pakistan Hold Nerve to Beat Bangladesh by 11 Runs, Set Up Asia Cup 2025 Final Against India

The Dubai International Stadium witnessed a gripping contest on Thursday night as Pakistan edged Bangladesh by 11 runs in a low-scoring Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2025. The victory secured Pakistan’s spot in the grand finale against India, setting up the first Asia Cup final between the two rivals since 1984.

The match had everything — early collapses, fiery pace bowling, lower-order heroics, and nail-biting tension till the last over. For cricket fans across the globe, it was a perfect appetizer ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster India vs Pakistan final.

Pre-Match Build-Up: Pressure on Pakistan

Coming into this game, Pakistan’s path to the final was not straightforward. Having already lost twice to India earlier in the tournament, their confidence was fragile. Bangladesh, on the other hand, were playing for pride but also had an outside chance to disrupt Pakistan’s campaign.

Experts had predicted that Pakistan’s fragile batting could again haunt them. The Dubai pitch was expected to assist seamers early on, making batting a tricky affair — a forecast that proved true.

Pakistan’s Innings: Collapse and Comeback

Put into bat, Pakistan’s innings began disastrously. Their much-vaunted top order failed to cope with Bangladesh’s disciplined seam attack.

• By the halfway stage, Pakistan were tottering at 49/5 — a scenario eerily familiar to fans who have seen repeated batting collapses in recent months.

Just when a sub-100 total looked inevitable, Pakistan’s lower order showed remarkable grit:

• Mohammad Haris (31 off 17 balls) played a fearless counter-attack, striking two sixes and three boundaries.

• Mohammad Nawaz (25 off 15) provided stability, mixing singles with one towering six over mid-wicket.

• Shaheen Afridi (19 off 13) displayed his underrated batting, clubbing a six and two fours to lift Pakistan beyond 130.

Pakistan eventually posted 135/8 in 20 overs — not a commanding score, but one that gave their bowlers something to fight with.

Bangladesh’s Reply: Faltering Under Pressure

Chasing 136, Bangladesh needed a composed start. Instead, they found themselves undone by Pakistan’s pace spearhead.

• Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled with fire, removing two top-order batters in the powerplay. His figures of 3 for 17 later earned him the Player of the Match award.

• Haris Rauf, Pakistan’s death-overs specialist, claimed 3 wickets, including two in the penultimate over that broke Bangladesh’s last hopes.

• Young Saim Ayub, better known for his batting, surprised fans with his left-arm spin, taking 2 wickets for 16 runs.

Bangladesh’s chase was anchored briefly by Shamim Hossain (30 runs), who struck three boundaries and a six, and Rishad Hossain (16 runs), who attempted late fireworks. But without partnerships, their innings fizzled out. They finished on 124/9, falling short by 11 runs.

Key Moments That Defined the Match

1. Lower-Order Rescue — Haris, Nawaz, and Afridi’s combined 65 runs ensured Pakistan had a defendable score.

2. Shaheen’s Early Strikes — Removing Bangladesh’s openers in the first 4 overs tilted the contest.

3. Middle-Order Collapse — Bangladesh failed to rotate strike, consuming too many dot balls.

4. Rauf’s 19th Over — Two wickets sealed Bangladesh’s fate before the final over.

5. Fielding Factor — Pakistan’s sharp catching contrasted with Bangladesh’s misfields, proving decisive.

Stats & Records

• This was Pakistan’s third win defending under 150 runs in T20 internationals in the last two years.

• Shaheen Afridi crossed 75 wickets in T20Is, becoming the fastest Pakistani pacer to reach the milestone.

• For the first time since 1984, India and Pakistan will meet in an Asia Cup final.

Fans and Atmosphere

The Dubai International Stadium was electric, with Pakistani and Bangladeshi fans filling the stands. Chants of “Pakistan Zindabad” echoed after every wicket, while Bangladeshi fans responded with drums and flags.

On social media, hashtags like #PAKvBAN, #AsiaCup2025, and #PakvsIndFinal trended worldwide. Cricket lovers from across the globe shared memes, match clips, and predictions for the final, making it one of the most discussed games of the tournament.

Expert Reactions

Former captain Waqar Younis lauded Pakistan’s resilience:

“This was classic Pakistan — unpredictable but brilliant. The bowlers carried the team, but the batting must step up against India.”

Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar warned against underestimating Pakistan:

“Pakistan’s bowling can dismantle any line-up. India have the edge, but in finals, pressure plays a bigger role than form.”

Looking Ahead: India vs Pakistan Final

The stage is now set for a high-voltage final on Sunday, September 28, in Dubai.

• Pakistan’s Strategy: Lean heavily on Afridi and Rauf to attack early and at the death. Batting improvements, especially from Babar and Rizwan, will be crucial.

• India’s Edge: Their batting depth, led by has already exposed Pakistan twice this tournament. Their bowlers, especially Bumrah and Kuldeep, will target Pakistan’s shaky top order.

• Key Battles to Watch:

  • Haris Rauf vs Suryakumar Yadav (death overs)

Conclusion

Pakistan’s thrilling 11-run victory over Bangladesh was more than just a ticket to the final — it was a statement of intent. Despite fragile batting, their bowlers rose to the occasion, proving why Pakistan remains one of the most dangerous teams in world cricket.

Now, with a dream India vs Pakistan final on the horizon, the cricketing world waits with bated breath. For players and fans alike, Sunday’s clash is not just about the Asia Cup trophy — it’s about pride, rivalry, and writing a new chapter in cricket history.