Pakistan sneak narrow win to set finals date with India

By Admin

26 Sep, 2025

Led by a clinical bowling performance on a sluggish Dubai track, Pakistan held their nerve to defend their joint-lowest Asia Cup total against Bangladesh and booked their place in the final of the 2025 Asia Cup. In a tense clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan posted 135 for 8, thanks to late contributions from Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Nawaz, before restricting Bangladesh to 124 for 9 to secure an 11-run win on Friday. The victory sets up a mouthwatering final against India on Sunday   the third meeting between the arch-rivals in this tournament.

Where was the game won?

Heading into the death overs, Bangladesh were slightly ahead of Pakistan in the contest. However, Mohammad Nawaz seized the moment, capitalizing on a dropped chance to smash a 15-ball 25, giving Pakistan a crucial boost on a surface where boundaries were hard to come by. The difference in execution during the death overs proved decisive. While Pakistan’s pacers varied their pace cleverly, Bangladesh collapsed under the scoreboard pressure and fell short. Bangladesh’s earlier lapses in the field   three dropped catches and a missed run out   only amplified the cost in the final overs.

Pakistan’s Innings

PowerPlay – Strangled Start

Phase score: 27/2 [RR: 4.50, 4s/6s: 5/0]

Bangladesh struck early after choosing to bowl. Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub were both dismissed cheaply, as Mustafizur Rahman and Tanzim Sakib operated with tight lines and variations of pace. Fakhar Zaman’s three boundaries offered brief respite, but Pakistan’s tally of 27/2 was the lowest PowerPlay score in Dubai in this Asia Cup.

Middle Overs – Rishad Tightens the Noose

Phase score: 56/4 [RR: 6.22, 4s/6s: 3/2]

Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain dented Pakistan’s recovery hopes with two key strikes   dismissing Fakhar Zaman and Hussain Talat. Skipper Salman Agha’s labored 19 off 23 balls further slowed the innings. Yet, Mohammad Haris and Shaheen Afridi struck timely blows, aided by Bangladesh’s sloppy fielding, which kept Pakistan in the contest heading into the death overs.

Death Overs – Nawaz Provides Late Flourish

Phase score: 52/2 [RR: 10.40, 4s/6s: 1/3]

The turning point came when Nawaz unleashed his hitting power. His sixes off Mahedi Hasan and Taskin Ahmed lifted Pakistan to a competitive score. Faheem Ashraf chipped in with 11 vital runs in the last over, ensuring Pakistan had something to defend.

Bangladesh’s Chase

PowerPlay – Pakistan Strike Early

Phase score: 36/3 [RR: 6.00, 4s/6s: 1/4]

Pakistan’s new-ball attack was relentless. Shaheen Afridi dismissed Parvez Hossain early before removing Towhid Hridoy. Haris Rauf joined in by sending back Saif Hassan, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 36/3 after the PowerPlay.

Middle Overs – Spin Choke

Phase score: 49/3 [RR: 5.79, 4s/6s: 0/6]

Pakistan’s spinners   Abrar Ahmed, Nawaz, and Saim Ayub   tightened the screws as the required rate began climbing. Mahedi Hasan and Nurul Hasan perished while trying to break free, while Jaker Ali, despite looking calm, was undone by Ayub’s clever bowling. By the end of this phase, Bangladesh were staring at a steep chase.

Death Overs – Collapse Under Pressure

Phase score: 39/3 [RR: 7.80, 4s/6s: 5/1]

Needing over nine runs per over, Bangladesh faltered. Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi used slower deliveries smartly, dismissing set batters. Despite Rishad Hossain’s six in the final over to keep hopes alive, the equation proved too steep. Pakistan held on by 11 runs, sealing their spot in the final.

What’s Next?

Bangladesh’s campaign ends with heartbreak, while Pakistan move on to face India in the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 final. Both sides have faced each other twice in the tournament already, but the stakes this time will be at their peak. Fans can expect nothing less than a high-octane clash on Sunday in Dubai.

Brief Scores:

• Pakistan 135/8 in 20 overs (Mohammad Haris 31, Mohammad Nawaz 25; Taskin Ahmed 3-28, Rishad Hossain 2-18)
  
  

• Bangladesh 124/9 in 20 overs (Shamim Hossain 30, Saif Hassan 18; Shaheen Afridi 3-17, Haris Rauf 3-33)
  
  

• Pakistan won by 11 runs.