Pakistan Stuns Bangladesh, Sets Up First‑Ever Pakistan‑India Asia Cup 2025 Final

Pakistan Stuns Bangladesh, Sets Up First‑Ever Pakistan‑India Asia Cup 2025 Final

Match Overview

The Super Four match in Abu Dhabi turned into a roller‑coaster that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Pakistan posted a surprisingly low 135 for 8 in their 20‑over innings, but the target proved just enough to keep Bangladesh honest. Early wickets fell quickly – Hussain Talat was out for a single, caught at backward point after an ambitious cut. At 33 for 4, many thought the chase was out of reach.

Enter Mohammad Haris, who steadied the ship with a quick‑fire 18 off 14 balls, while Mohammad Nawaz added a handy few runs down the order. The real spark came from Shaheen Shah Afridi, who swung his bat like a tail‑end striker, smashing 19 runs off just 13 deliveries, including two sixes that shifted the momentum. Bangladesh’s ace bowler Rishad Hossain was relentless, finishing with figures of 4‑0‑18‑2, keeping the run rate in check.

Bangladesh’s reply started positively, but they never managed a solid partnership. The highest score came from a middle‑order batsman who made 30 off 25 balls; everyone else struggled to get past double figures. At 101 for 9, the chase seemed doomed, yet they still needed 23 runs from the last six balls. A dramatic moment unfolded when Mustafizur Rahman lofted a ball to long‑off, only for the catch to be dropped by Hasan Nawaz – a lapse that could have turned the tide.

Haris Rauf turned hero in the death overs. After a brief injury scare – a tumble during his follow‑through that led to a quick on‑field treatment – he came back firing a slower ball that clean‑bowled Tanzim Hasan Sakib for 10 runs. He then dismissed Taskin Ahmed with a sharp delivery, leaving Bangladesh teetering at 101 for 9. Shaheen Afridi backed him up, maintaining pressure and forcing the final wicket.

When the last ball sailed away, Bangladesh fell short at 124 for 9, handing Pakistan an 11‑run win. The victory not only secured a place in the final but also set up a historic showdown: Pakistan versus India, a first in any Asia Cup 2025 format.

Looking Ahead to the Final

Sunday’s final promises to be a cricketing blockbuster. Both sides arrive with contrasting stories – Pakistan survived a low‑scoring game thanks to sheer bowling grit, while India breezed through the Super Four with a more comfortable batting display. Fans will be watching to see whether Pakistan can replicate their defensive brilliance against a fire‑brand Indian lineup.

Key players to watch:

• Haris Rauf – his ability to swing the ball at pace, even when nursing a niggle, could unsettle India’s top order.
• Shaheen Afridi – the all‑rounder who can swing with the bat and deliver lethal spells.
• India’s batting core – will they chase big totals or get caught in a low‑run chase like Bangladesh?

Strategically, Pakistan’s captain Salman Agha will likely stick to the game plan that worked: keep the run rate low, attack with short‑run wickets, and rely on the deep pool of pace. India, on the other hand, may aim to set a higher total, forcing Pakistan’s bowlers to defend under pressure.

Beyond the tactics, the emotional weight of this rivalry can’t be ignored. The India‑Pakistan cricket saga has always drawn massive viewership, and the fact that it’s the first time both sides meet in an Asia Cup final adds extra spice. Expect packed stadiums, a flood of social media buzz, and a million (maybe more) eyes glued to the screens.

Whatever the outcome, Sunday’s match will be remembered as a milestone in Asian cricket – a clash that not only decides a championship but also cements a new chapter in the storied rivalry.