Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan Defeat Bangladesh to Qualify for Final Against India

It was not a night for fluent batting, but it was one for grit, discipline, and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s brilliance. In Dubai, Pakistan defeat Bangladesh by 11 runs in a low-scoring Super Four clash to move one step closer to an Asia Cup final date with archrivals India.

Defending 135 looked tricky under lights, yet Shaheen ensured Pakistan stayed in the hunt from the first over. His trademark new-ball strike removed Parvez Hossain Emon without scoring, before he followed up with the wickets of Towhid Hridoy and Shamim Hossain to finish with 3 for 17. Haris Rauf chipped in with three of his own, and despite a spirited 30 from Shamim and a late counterpunch by Rishad Hossain (16* off 11), Bangladesh could only manage 124 for 9.

Pakistan Defeat Bangladesh to Keep Final Dream Alive

Earlier, Pakistan’s innings had been shaky at best. They stumbled to 46 for 4 at the halfway stage after a collapse triggered by Taskin Ahmed (3-28) and Rishad Hossain (2-18). At that point, a total even close to 135 seemed improbable. But Mohammad Haris’ lively 31 off 23 balls and Mohammad Nawaz’s 25 from just 15 restored some momentum. Shaheen chipped in with a useful cameo — 19 off 13 with two sixes — before Faheem Ashraf’s unbeaten 14 gave the bowlers a modest but defendable target.

Bangladesh, who elected to field, looked well placed during the chase when Saif Hassan struck 18 and Nurul Hasan added 16. However, wickets tumbled in clusters, and their middle order never recovered once Shaheen struck twice inside the first five overs.

The victory underlines Pakistan’s growing maturity in tight games. It was also a reminder of how Afridi continues to influence contests with both bat and ball, earning him Player of the Match honors. His 19 with the bat and 3 for 17 with the ball gave Pakistan just the edge they needed.