Bangladesh Falters in Modest Chase Under Pressure
The much-anticipated Super Four clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 25, 2025, ended in heartbreak for Bangladesh, who failed to chase down a modest target of 136. With that, Pakistan booked their place in a historic first-ever Asia Cup final against India, setting the stage for an electrifying encounter between cricket’s fiercest rivals.
Hope Hinged on Shamim, But Afridi Struck Gold
With just 39 runs needed off 20 deliveries, Bangladesh’s slim hopes rested on Shamim Hossain. However, a moment of desperation saw the left-hander attempt an audacious reverse scoop against Shaheen Shah Afridi’s slower ball—only to see it land safely in the hands of the fielder at point. That moment effectively sealed Bangladesh’s fate.
Afridi, whose opening spell brimmed with aggression and menace, had already inflicted early damage by removing Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy. Haris Rauf added to the woes with blistering pace, inducing a leading edge from key batter Saif Hassan. From that point, Bangladesh was left chasing the game.
Spin Web Undoes Bangladesh’s Middle Order
The middle order lacked composure and failed to counter Pakistan’s spin threat. Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub capitalized on the batters’ indecisiveness, sharing three crucial wickets. The Bangladeshi batters were guilty of committing too early to their strokes, falling prey to well-disguised deliveries.
Pakistan’s Recovery Anchored by Lower Order Brilliance
Earlier in the evening, Pakistan’s top order collapsed under relentless pressure, but the lower order offered a spirited response. A vital 38-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Nawaz provided much-needed stability.
Shaheen Afridi, promoted to No. 7, turned the tide briefly with a 13-ball cameo worth 19 runs, lighting up the stadium with two towering sixes over the leg side. Despite being dropped twice, his adventurous knock was ended by a sharp effort from wicketkeeper Jaker Ali, who sprinted to midwicket for a smart catch.
Rishad’s Magic Start Derailed Pakistan’s Top Order
Rishad Hossain was instrumental in Bangladesh’s early dominance, featuring in all four of Pakistan’s initial dismissals. He held on to sharp chances to remove Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman before accounting for Saim Ayub and Hussain Talat. At 49 for 5, Pakistan appeared to be on the ropes.
Agha Salman’s Steadiness and Mustafizur’s Brilliance
Captain Agha Salman displayed maturity against spin but succumbed to a cunning cutter from left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman. Despite the setback, Pakistan rallied with grit and determination to post a fighting total of 135 for 8.
Ultimately, that score proved just enough as Bangladesh stumbled to 124 for 9 in their 20 overs, handing Pakistan a thrilling 11-run victory and a place in the final against India.
Match Summary
Pakistan: 135/8 in 20 overs (Mohammad Haris 31, Mohammad Nawaz 25, Taskin Ahmed 3/28)
Bangladesh: 124/9 in 20 overs (Shamim Hossain 30, Shaheen Shah Afridi 3/17, Haris Rauf 3/33)
Toss: Bangladesh
