Pakistan Defeats Bangladesh to Secure Asia Cup Final Spot
In an electrifying Super-Four match on September 25, 2025, at Dubai International Stadium, Pakistan edged past Bangladesh by just 11 runs. This victory has propelled them into the Asia Cup final against India, showcasing the sheer talent of players like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf.
Shaheen’s Bowling Brilliance
Shaheen Afridi was nothing short of sensational, claiming three crucial wickets while also contributing a quick 19 runs off 13 balls. His exceptional bowling figures of 3 for 17 in four overs not only helped restrict Bangladesh to 124 runs but also marked a significant milestone as he achieved his 22nd first-over wicket in T20 internationals. Shaheen set the tone early by dismissing Parvez Hossain Emon for a duck and following it up with the wicket of Towhid Hridoy, which left Bangladesh in a precarious position at 23-2.
Haris Rauf Shines with Four Wickets
Complementing Shaheen’s heroics, Haris Rauf also delivered a stellar performance, taking three wickets for 33 runs. His breakthrough came in the sixth over when he dismissed Saif Hassan, furthering Bangladesh’s woes. With the powerplay ending at 36-3, the pressure was on the Bangladeshi batters. Haris’s critical wickets during the latter stages of the match sealed the game for Pakistan, allowing them to defend a modest total of 135 runs.
Pakistan’s Batting Troubles
Batting first after being put to bat by Bangladesh, Pakistan faced early setbacks, losing two early wickets for just five runs. Fakhar Zaman and Salman Ali Agha fell quickly, leaving the team reeling at 27-2 in the Powerplay. Despite some resistance from Mohammad Haris, who top-scored with 31 runs, and Mohammad Nawaz, who added 25 runs, the Pakistani batting order struggled to settle. The team managed to post 135 runs, which was their joint-second lowest T20I total against Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s Response and Pakistan’s Defense
Chasing a target of 136 runs, Bangladesh faltered under pressure thanks to the disciplined Pakistani bowling attack. Despite a fighting innings from Shamim Hossain, who scored 30 runs, Bangladesh could not build significant partnerships to chase down the target. After being reduced to 73-6, the fate of the match seemed sealed. Even though a late flurry of runs was attempted, the Pakistani bowlers held their nerve, with Haris successfully defending 23 runs in the final over.
Match Summary
Scores in brief:
– 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)
Shaheen Shah Afridi was awarded the Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance, leading Pakistan to a thrilling victory and securing a much-anticipated final against India in the Asia Cup.
