Pakistan Beat Bangladesh by 11 Runs to Reach Asia Cup 2025 Final | Full Match Review & Analysis

The Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium proved to be nothing short of a thriller. With a place in the final against arch-rivals India on the line, the encounter was billed as a “virtual semi-final” — and it lived up to expectations. Pakistan held their nerve in a low-scoring contest to defeat Bangladesh by 11 runs, advancing to their first Asia Cup final meeting with India in history.

This result not only highlighted Pakistan’s resilience under pressure but also showcased Bangladesh’s fight, even though they fell short at the last hurdle. Read full story of match on www.usmanoncricket.com

Toss & Match Overview

The Dubai pitch offered assistance to spinners while also providing some movement for pacers, ensuring a contest dominated by bowlers.

Pakistan Innings (135/8 in 20 Overs)

Pakistan faced early trouble after losing quick wickets in the powerplay, but key cameos lifted the side to a defendable total.

• Mohammad Haris: 31 (23) – anchored the innings after early collapse.
• Mohammad Nawaz: 25 (15) – vital middle-order push.
• Shaheen Afridi: 19 (13) – late-order cameo ensured momentum.

Bangladesh’s bowling attack:

• Taskin Ahmed: 3/26 – struck in crucial phases.
• Rishad Hossain: 2 wickets – choked Pakistan’s middle order.

Pakistan ended at 135/8, slightly below par but competitive given the conditions.

Bangladesh Innings (124/9 in 20 Overs)

Bangladesh never looked comfortable in their chase. Regular wickets meant no partnerships flourished.

• Shamim Hossain: 30 (25) – top scorer, showed fight.
• Saif Hassan: 18 runs – but couldn’t convert a start.

Bangladesh needed 23 runs in the final over, but tight bowling from Pakistan sealed the win.

Pakistan’s bowling heroes:

• Shaheen Afridi: 3/17 (4 overs) – fiery opening spell, including powerplay strikes.
• Haris Rauf: 3/33 (4 overs) – expensive at times, but provided breakthroughs.
• Middle overs: Tight spells from Nawaz and Shadab Khan ensured scoreboard pressure.

Final score: Bangladesh 124/9 in 20 overs.

Player Of The Match: Shaheen Shah Afridi for his match winning spell ( 3/17 ) & Batting Cameo of ( 19 runs )

Match Turning Points

1. Early Wickets in Powerplay: Pakistan lost their top order cheaply, but Haris steadied the innings.
2. Late Cameos: Nawaz and Shaheen ensured the total crossed 130, a psychological boost.
3. Shaheen Afridi’s Magic: His opening spell removed key Bangladeshi batters.
4. Bangladesh Collapse: No partnerships after Shamim’s knock kept them behind the chase.
5. Death Overs Bowling: Pakistan bowlers held their nerve in the final overs, sealing qualification.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Head-to-Head in T20Is

Pakistan’s dominance in T20Is continued, though this was their first-ever win over Bangladesh in an Asia Cup encounter.

Importance of This Match for Both Sides

For Pakistan:

• Final Qualification: Secured a historic Asia Cup final against India.
• Bowling Confidence: Proved their bowling unit can defend modest totals under pressure.
• Momentum & Morale: Beating Bangladesh in a knockout-like game builds confidence before the big final.
• Historic Milestone: First Asia Cup final meeting with India, a dream fixture for fans and broadcasters.

For Bangladesh:

• Elimination: This defeat knocked them out of the Asia Cup 2025, ending their campaign.
• Batting Concerns: Highlighted their inability to handle pressure in crunch chases.
• Positive Takeaway: Bowling unit impressed, especially Taskin and Rishad.
• Learning Curve: Reinforced the need for middle-order partnerships in tight matches.

Conclusion & Takeaways

Pakistan’s 11-run victory over Bangladesh was a masterclass in resilience and bowling discipline. Despite posting just 135/8, Pakistan’s bowlers — led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf — turned the game in their favor.

For Bangladesh, Shamim Hossain showed intent, but the lack of partnerships proved costly. Pakistan, on the other hand, proved why they are one of the most dangerous bowling units in world cricket.

With this win, Pakistan set up a mouth-watering Asia Cup 2025 final against India on 28 September in Dubai. For fans, this promises to be a historic occasion — the first time both teams clash in an Asia Cup final.

Who’s your pick for the Asia Cup 2025 Final — Pakistan or India? Share your thoughts in the comments below & stay updated on www.usmanoncricket.com for more and latest cricket news

FAQs- ( PAKISTAN VS BANGLADESH )

Sources

• ESPNcricinfo
• Cricbuzz