India stormed into the Asia Cup 2025 final with a commanding 41-run victory over Bangladesh in Dubai on Wednesday. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side extended their unbeaten run in the tournament, becoming the first team to secure a place in the title clash.
It was Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 37-ball 75 that set the tone with the bat, while Kuldeep Yadav’s crafty three-wicket spell dismantled Bangladesh’s middle order. Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy added two wickets apiece, ensuring the Tigers folded for 127 in pursuit of India’s 168/6.
Abhishek Lights Up Dubai
India’s innings revolved around the young opener, who has been in red-hot form this tournament. Abhishek launched into the Bangladesh attack after a cautious start, smashing five sixes and a flurry of boundaries to propel India past the 90-run mark inside 11 overs.
His dismissal, via a sharp piece of fielding from Rishad Hossain, triggered a slowdown. India’s experimental batting order failed to click, with the middle overs yielding only 56 runs. Hardik Pandya’s steady 38 helped India reach 168/6, a total that looked competitive but not insurmountable.
Bangladesh’s Missed Opportunities
Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mustafizur Rahman, clawed the game back after Abhishek’s fireworks. Yet, their fielding lapses — including dropped chances to remove the opener early — proved costly.
Chasing 169, Bangladesh never truly found rhythm. Saif Hassan fought a lone battle, smashing 69 off 51 balls with five sixes, but he lacked support. Early wickets and reckless running between the wickets left the Tigers struggling against India’s varied attack.
Kuldeep’s Magic and Bumrah’s Fire
The second innings showcased India’s bowling depth. Bumrah’s early swing removed opener Parvez Emon, while Kuldeep spun a web in the middle overs, picking up two wickets in successive deliveries to break Bangladesh’s resistance.
Even as Saif tried to counter with bold strokeplay, wickets kept tumbling. India’s catching was far from perfect, but the bowlers ensured Bangladesh were never close to the chase. Tilak Varma capped off the night by rolling his arm over to pick the final wicket, sealing India’s dominant win.
What This Win Means
India’s victory not only confirmed their place in the final but also knocked Sri Lanka out of contention. The second finalist will now be decided in Thursday’s clash between Pakistan and Bangladesh, with both sides still in the hunt. For India, Friday’s match against Sri Lanka becomes a dead rubber, giving them the chance to fine-tune combinations before the final.