Pakistan Edges Bangladesh by 11 Runs to Reach Historic Asia Cup 2025 Final Showdown

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In a dramatic Super Fours match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, Pakistan managed an 11-run win over Bangladesh. They secured a place in the Asia Cup 2025 final against long-time rivals India. The victory paves the way for the first-ever India-Pakistan final in Asia Cup history and another addition to the tournament's rich tradition.

Pakistan's Resilient Performance

Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan were in early trouble at 49 for 5. The top order failed against tight bowling, but contributions from the middle and lower order were invaluable.

Mohammad Haris held the innings together with a quick 31 off 23 deliveries, while Nawaz gave striking impetus with an unbeaten 25 off 15 balls. Shaheen Afridi's impactful cameo of 19 off 14 balls gave further thrust to Pakistan's efforts to post a competitive total of 135 for 8 in 20 overs.

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Taskin Ahmed stood out with the ball for Bangladesh, taking three crucial wickets. He dictated the line and length that the Pakistani batsmen found it challenging to score; it was thus commendable that they managed an unlikely late recovery.

Bangladesh’s Chase Falls Short

Pursuing 136, Bangladesh began with guarded optimism but then found themselves under constant pressure from Pakistan's bowling attacks. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf dominated the bowling, taking three wickets each and tightening the screws on Bangladesh's lower and middle order.

Just about a few sparklets of defiance from Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das, who tried to hold the innings steady, Bangladesh fell short of the required rate.

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Bangladesh ended up with 124 for 9 off their 20 overs, which was 11 runs shy of the target. The day belonged to Pakistan as it showed their desperate comeback under pressure and how strict bowling can make an impact in crunch situations.

What Happens Next: India vs Pakistan

Pakistan booked their place in the Asia Cup final with a thrilling win over Bangladesh, on Sunday, September 28. India, with eight Asia Cup titles, will aim to set the pace, while Pakistan seeks to claim its third title and halt India's streak in this tournament. Both sides are entering the finals with strong line-ups.

India boasts a formidable batting lineup featuring Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, backed by a fearsome bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal.

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Pakistan boasts a balanced mix of experienced campaigners, such as Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Haris, promising a nail-biting encounter.

The climax of the Asia Cup will be worth watching for fans worldwide. It will resonate in the annals of the Asia Cup as one of the most memorable, marking skill, strategy, and animosity at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.