Sluggish India storm into Asia Cup final, force Bangladesh vs Pakistan virtual knockout

By Admin

25 Sep, 2025

India might not have been at their best, but Suryakumar Yadav’s men still proved too strong for Bangladesh in their Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash at the Dubai International Stadium. The 41-run victory ensured India’s place in the final and left Bangladesh facing a do-or-die clash against Pakistan, scheduled less than 24 hours later.

India’s Batting – Abhishek Sharma Shines

India’s innings was powered by Abhishek Sharma, who continued his dream run with a scintillating 37-ball 75. Mixing elegant stroke play with raw power, the youngster struck six fours and five massive sixes. He looked set for a century before a moment of brilliance from Rishad Hossain cut short his knock with a sharp run-out in the 12th over.

India had dominated the powerplay, racing to 72 without loss, with Abhishek and Shubman Gill (29 off 19) dismantling Bangladesh’s new-ball attack. However, after Gill’s dismissal, the middle-order failed to capitalise. Shivam Dube (2) fell cheaply, Suryakumar Yadav (5) continued his poor run, and Axar Patel (10 off 15) struggled in the finisher’s role.

Hardik Pandya’s late cameo of 38 off 29 balls gave India much-needed impetus, pushing the score to 168/6 a total that looked competitive but not unassailable. For Bangladesh, Rishad Hossain (2/27) was the standout bowler, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mustafizur Rahman also chipped in with crucial wickets.

Bangladesh’s Batting Collapse

Chasing 169, Bangladesh never found rhythm with the bat. The early damage was done by Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, who made full use of the new ball. Bumrah struck in just his second delivery, removing Tanzim Tamim, before tormenting Parvez Emon with outswingers and yorkers.

At 22/1 after four overs, Bangladesh briefly steadied through Saif Hassan and Emon, who targeted Varun Chakravarthy with sweeping strokes. However, the momentum was short-lived. Regular wickets crippled their chase, and they were eventually bundled out for 127 in 19.3 overs.

If not for India’s poor catching several chances were put down under the Dubai floodlights the match could have ended even sooner. Fielding has been India’s biggest concern throughout the tournament, something even captain Suryakumar admitted they are still working on with fielding coach T. Dilip.

Strategic Resting and What’s Next

Bangladesh’s decision to rest key players like Litton Das and Mahedi Hasan raised eyebrows but seemed tactical, as they face Pakistan in a must-win clash on Thursday. By fielding a B-string side against India, skipper Jaker Ali may have looked to preserve energy for the virtual semifinal against Pakistan a game where they arguably stand a better chance.

Unfortunately for Bangladesh, this loss also confirmed Sri Lanka’s elimination from the Asia Cup 2025.

India into the Final – But Concerns Remain

While India’s victory booked them a place in the Asia Cup final, the performance left plenty to ponder. Dropped catches, middle-order inconsistencies, and Suryakumar’s own batting form remain pressing issues. On the brighter side, Abhishek Sharma’s purple patch and Hardik Pandya’s late hitting continue to give the team hope.

For now, India can breathe easy, but the Asia Cup narrative intensifies as all eyes shift to the Bangladesh vs Pakistan clash a virtual knockout that will decide who challenges India in the grand finale.