Pakistan overcame Bangladesh by 11 runs in a tense Asia Cup 2025 Super Four encounter in Dubai, booking their ticket to a blockbuster final against India. The match was a virtual semifinal, with both teams fighting for a spot in the championship clash. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling unit, led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, proved decisive in a game where batting collapses from both sides kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Match Story

Pakistan, put in to bat, struggled at the outset as Bangladesh’s seamers and spinners exploited the new ball and early morning conditions. At 49/5 after 10 overs, Pakistan looked in deep trouble. However, valuable lower-order contributions from Mohammad Haris (31 off 23), Mohammad Nawaz (25 off 15), and Shaheen Afridi (19 off 13) enabled them to reach 135/8 in their 20 overs an underwhelming total, but competitive given the pressure and pitch.

Bangladesh’s Taskin Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets and restricting Pakistan during the death overs. Rishad Hossain supported well with two wickets in the middle stages. Bangladesh were confident at the break, having limited Pakistan to what seemed a modest chase.

In reply, Bangladesh also faltered early as Shaheen Afridi removed key batter Litton Das in the powerplay. The pressure never let up, with wickets tumbling regularly thanks to incisive spells from Haris Rauf and the support of Pakistan’s spinners. Although a few brief partnerships kept Bangladesh’s hopes alive, no one could anchor the chase. With smart field placings and bowling changes, Pakistan maintained control.

Bangladesh finished on 124/9 in 20 overs, falling short by 11 runs. For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Nawaz shared the wickets, with Rauf dismantling the tail to seal a famous win.

Analysis and Talking Points

• Bowling Wins Tense Decider: Despite defending just 135, Pakistan’s bowlers adapted superbly to the pressure of a must-win contest. Shaheen Afridi set the tone with early strikes, while Haris Rauf’s variations and accuracy choked the chase in the death overs. Nawaz and Saim contributed crucial overs, ensuring Bangladesh never got momentum.
• Lower-Order Heroics: Pakistan’s top order faltered, but the trio of Haris, Nawaz, and Shaheen Afridi boosted the side with counterattacking cameos. Their approach added essential runs and shifted the pressure back on Bangladesh at key moments.
• Bangladesh’s Missed Chances: Bangladesh bowled well in the first half but were unable to seize control with the bat. Pressure from Pakistan’s attack forced rash shots and wickets. Bangladesh’s tail, despite a last-ditch effort, could not pull off the chase, underlining the team’s issues with depth and temperament in crunch moments.
• Setting Up a Historic Final: This win sends Pakistan through to their first Asia Cup T20 final since 2014, and ensures fans will witness the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan showdown for the title. India, undefeated in the Super Fours, head into the final after beating both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in dominant fashion, setting up one of the most awaited finals in the tournament’s history.

Key Performances

Player	Pakistan	Bangladesh
Mohammad Haris	31 (23)	Taskin Ahmed
Mohammad Nawaz	25 (15), 1 wicket	Rishad Hossain
Shaheen Afridi	19 (13), early wickets
Haris Rauf	2 key wickets, death overs

What This Means

The narrow margin and see-saw nature of the Pakistan vs Bangladesh match set the stage for a keenly contested final. India, on a high, will look to assert their dominance, but this revived Pakistan squad—buoyed by a resilient lower order and a sharp pace attack—will pose a stern challenge. The 2025 Asia Cup final promises to be a spectacle marked by rich rivalry and immense stakes.

Both teams’ journey to the final underscores the importance of adaptability in high-stakes T20 tournaments where every run, wicket, and fielding save counts. With a capacity crowd expected and millions watching worldwide, the India vs Pakistan final adds another electrifying chapter to the storied history of Asia Cup cricket.