Pakistan edged past Bangladesh by 11 runs in a thrilling Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai. After a poor start, Pakistan managed to post 135/8 in 20 overs. Mohammad Haris (31) and Mohammad Nawaz (25) made useful contributions in the middle order, while some late fireworks from Shaheen Afridi (19) helped Pakistan reach a respectable total. Taskin Ahmed (3/28 in 4 overs), Rishad Hossain (2/18 in 4 overs), and Mahedi Hasan (2/28 in 4 overs) kept things tight and did not allow the Pakistani batters to score freely.

While chasing, Bangladesh struggled in a similar fashion to Pakistan and eventually fell 11 runs short. Shaheen Afridi (3/17 in 4 overs), Haris Rauf (3/33 in 4 overs), and Saim Ayub (2/16 in 4 overs) kept the Bangladeshi batters in check and took wickets at regular intervals. With this win, Pakistan secured a place in the final, where they will face India on Sunday, September 28.

Pakistan Survive a Batting Collapse

Pakistan’s batting struggled badly on a worn-out surface. Taskin Ahmed gave Bangladesh a strong start by dismissing Sahibzada Farhan for just four runs. With this wicket, Taskin became only the third Bangladeshi bowler to reach 100 wickets in T20 internationals, after Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman.

In the very next over, Mahedi Hasan removed Saim Ayub for a three-ball duck. This was Ayub’s fourth duck in six Asia Cup innings and ninth overall in 45 T20I matches — second only to Umar Akmal’s ten for Pakistan.

Fakhar Zaman struggled to find rhythm, scoring only 12 runs off 18 balls. Pakistan managed just 27 runs in the powerplay, the second-lowest in this tournament, ahead of only Hong Kong.

Rishad Hossain then struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Fakhar and Hussain Talat, while Mustafizur trapped captain Salman Agha with his trademark off-cutter. Pakistan slumped to 49 for five by the 11th over.

Haris and Nawaz Lead the Fightback

At 49 for five, Pakistan looked in deep trouble. Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Nawaz then steadied the innings with aggressive counterattacking shots.

The first six of the innings came in the 13th over when Shaheen Shah Afridi smashed Tanzim Hasan Sakib over midwicket. He followed it up with another six against Taskin before falling for 19 off 13 balls.

Nawaz was dropped early on and made full use of the chance, scoring a valuable 25 off 15 balls. Haris also played a key role, hitting 31 off 23 balls, including crucial boundaries against Rishad and Mustafizur.

Pakistan added 80 runs in the last eight overs to reach 135, a total that seemed below par but eventually proved match-winning.

Afridi Strikes Early in Bangladesh Chase

Bangladesh’s chase began with promise. Shaheen Shah Afridi, however, struck early, finishing his three-over powerplay spell with figures of 2 for 11. At the other end, Bangladesh went after the bowlers.

Saif Hassan hit Faheem Ashraf for a six and later punished Haris Rauf with a six and a four. But Rauf had the last laugh, removing Saif with a well-directed delivery that resulted in a catch by Ayub at point.

Nurul Hasan started his innings with a top-edged six, but Bangladesh’s momentum faded as they kept finding fielders near the boundary. Shamim Hossain, who top-scored with 30 off 25 balls, was the only batter to cross 20 runs.

Bangladesh Lose Grip in Middle Overs

With regular captain Litton Das sidelined due to a side strain, stand-in skipper Jaker Ali struggled to lead the chase. Several batters holed out while trying to clear the boundary on a pitch that wasn’t ideal for big hitting.

Bangladesh’s hopes all but ended when Afridi returned with the old ball to dismiss Shamim. The team eventually fell short by 11 runs, finishing on 124.

Injury Scare and Historic Final Ahead

Haris Rauf gave Pakistan a brief scare when he collapsed in his follow-through during the 18th over. However, he completed his spell without further trouble.

With this victory, Pakistan sealed their place in the final, setting up a historic clash with India on Sunday — the first India-Pakistan Asia Cup final in over 40 years.