Pakistan booked their spot in the Asia Cup 2025 final with a tense 11-run win over Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday (September 25). The victory confirmed the first-ever Asia Cup title showdown between cricket’s fiercest rivals – Pakistan and India.
Bangladesh collapsed while chasing a score
Chasing just 136 for victory, Bangladesh looked well placed at 97 for 5 with 39 runs required from 20 deliveries. Their hopes rested on Shamim Hossain, but a risky reverse scoop against Shaheen Shah Afridi proved fatal as the left-arm pacer tightened the noose.
Afridi was menacing upfront, removing Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy inside the PowerPlay. Haris Rauf backed him with raw pace, snaring the key wicket of Saif Hassan, leaving Bangladesh constantly on the back foot.
The Tigers’ middle order never settled, struggling against Pakistan’s spin duo of Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub, who shared three wickets between them. Shamim’s 30 off 25 balls was the lone bright spot as Bangladesh limped to 124 for 9 in their 20 overs.
Pakistan batting
Opting to bowl first, Bangladesh had Pakistan reeling at 49 for 5. Spinner Rishad Hossain was electric in the field and with the ball, playing a hand in four early dismissals. Mustafizur Rahman’s clever variations further tightened the screws, dismissing skipper Salman Agha for 19.
But Pakistan’s lower order showed resilience. Mohammad Haris (31) and Mohammad Nawaz (25 off 15) stitched together a vital 38-run seventh-wicket stand, steadying the innings. Shaheen Afridi then added a lively cameo of 19 from 13 balls, including two towering sixes, to push Pakistan to 135 for 8.
Taskin Ahmed led Bangladesh’s attack with 3 for 28, while spinners Rishad and Mahedi Hasan chipped in with two wickets each.
Afridi leads bowling charge
Defending a modest total, Pakistan’s bowlers thrived under pressure. Afridi returned figures of 3 for 17 and Haris Rauf grabbed 3 for 33 to break Bangladesh’s backbone. Nawaz also chipped in with a wicket, ensuring Pakistan never lost control.
Afridi’s all-round contribution earned him the Player of the Match award. His spell not only secured Pakistan’s place in the final but also reinforced his reputation as a big-match performer.
Historic India-Pakistan final awaits
The result means Pakistan will now face India on Sunday in what promises to be a blockbuster final. This will be the first-ever Asia Cup final between the two sides, adding another chapter to cricket’s most storied rivalry.
Historically, the two teams have met five times in tournament finals featuring multiple nations. Pakistan hold a 3–2 edge, with victories in the Austral-Asia Cup (1986, 1994) and the Champions Trophy (2017). India’s wins came in the 1985 World Championship of Cricket and the 2007 T20 World Cup.
Score Summary
Pakistan 135/8 (20 overs): Haris 31, Nawaz 25; Taskin 3/28
Bangladesh 124/9 (20 overs): Shamim 30; Afridi 3/17, Rauf 3/33
Result: Pakistan won by 11 runs