India is set to face Bangladesh in their second Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai. India needs a win to secure a place in the final. With the Super 4 table tightly packed, India will aim to avoid getting drawn into a last-minute points scramble, especially after Pakistan bounced back from their defeat to India by beating Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
India Dominating the Tournament
India have been in top form this Asia Cup, clearly operating a level above the competition. With four wins from four games, including two victories over their arch-rivals Pakistan, they have emerged as the team to beat in the continental tournament.
However, Bangladesh could pose a stiff challenge. The Tigers come into this match buoyed by a statement win over Sri Lanka, who had gone unbeaten in the group stages. Having narrowly qualified for the Super 4s, Bangladesh will enter the clash with renewed confidence.
Head-to-Head Record
India have an overwhelmingly positive record against Bangladesh in T20Is, with 18 wins and only one loss—which came in 2019. Last year, India swept Bangladesh 3-0 in a home series, following a commanding 50-run victory at the T20 World Cup.
In the Asia Cup, India have won 13 of 15 encounters. Their most recent meeting in the 50-over format, however, ended in a shock defeat to Bangladesh in 2023.
The numbers from their last T20I clash underline India’s dominance. In Hyderabad, India posted their highest-ever T20I total of 297, powered by a blistering 47-ball 111 from Sanju Samson and a 35-ball 75 from captain Suryakumar Yadav, sealing a 133-run win. That match showcased India’s fearless new approach to T20 cricket after their T20 World Cup triumph.
Bangladesh Set to Challenge India
India will start Wednesday as overwhelming favourites, but Bangladesh may provide a stiffer test in Dubai’s slow conditions. Their recent victory over Sri Lanka has boosted confidence, and players like Litton Das and his teammates will fight hard against one of the world’s top sides.
Team News
India are unlikely to change their winning combination. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate dismissed speculation about resting Jasprit Bumrah before the final. He also confirmed that India will continue to back Sanju Samson in the middle order. Axar Patel, who suffered a head blow against Pakistan, is expected to be fit to play.
Bangladesh, however, are worried about skipper Litton Das, who sustained a rib knock in training on the eve of the match. His availability will be confirmed on match day. With back-to-back matches against India and Pakistan, Bangladesh must carefully manage Litton’s participation.
Without an appointed vice-captain, Bangladesh face uncertainty over leadership if Litton is unavailable. Parvez Hossain Emon is the likely replacement in the XI, though whether he would open the batting remains unclear.
Bangladesh may also replace Shoriful Islam with pacer Tanzim Sakib, who impressed in last year’s bilateral series and has performed well in the group stages of this Asia Cup. In the spin department, they must choose between attacking wrist-spinner Rishad Hossain and the in-form off-spinner Mahedi Hasan.
Pitch Report
The Dubai pitch is slow, favoring spinners. Batters found it difficult to play freely during the group stage, which could make the contest favourable for bowlers.
Weather Report
Dubai is expected to see clear and warm conditions, with temperatures between 28-30°C. The day will be hot and sunny, with a high near 36-37°C, accompanied by moderate to fresh winds.
Probable Playing XI's
India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Bangladesh: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (c/wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.