Match recap: Pakistan vs Bangladesh
On September 25, 2025, the Dubai International Cricket Stadium hosted what felt like a semi‑final before the actual final. Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 hopes hinged on a modest total of 135, and the team delivered just enough to outfox Bangladesh. After winning the toss, Bangladesh’s skipper Jaker Ali chose to bowl first, trusting a dry, hard surface that seemed to favour seam and spin alike.
Pakistan’s top order – Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub – got the innings off to a shaky start. Farhan fell early, leaving Zaman to grind out a gritty 30, while Ayub contributed a quick 28 before being caught at mid‑wicket. The lower order added the final runs, pushing the score to 135/9 in the allotted 20 overs. It wasn’t a dazzling display, but it set a target that would test Bangladesh’s chase.
Bangladesh answered with three fresh faces – Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy – hoping their aggressive intent would chase down the score. Yet the Pakistan bowlers, led by the towering left‑arm pacer Shaheen Afridi and the sly left‑arm spinner Faheem Ashraf, kept the pressure relentless. Shaheen opened the spell, ripping through the top order for 2 wickets in his first 3 overs. Faheem’s flighted deliveries forced a mistimed pull from Emon, and Haris Rauf’s pace added two more scalps in the middle overs.
As the chase progressed, Bangladesh found themselves 85 for 5 with just 15 overs left. Mustafizur Rahman, the famed cutter, tried to salvage the innings, but a sharp catch at deep mid‑wicket dismissed him for a meagre 12. Taskin Ahmed and Rishad Hossain attempted a late surge, yet Pakistan’s fielders were everywhere – Abrar Ahmed took a brilliant run‑out, and a diving catch by Shaheen sealed the win. Bangladesh folded for 119, handing Pakistan a 16‑run victory and a ticket to the final.
What the win means for the final
Both Pakistan and Bangladesh entered the Super 4 showdown nursing defeats to India. Pakistan had been bowled out for 170 after a blistering partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, while Bangladesh fell short by 41 runs when Kuldeep Yadav’s spin turned the game on its head. However, both sides managed to topple Sri Lanka earlier in the tournament, a win that gave them a confidence boost heading into this crucial match.
The triumph does more than just secure a spot; it reignites a long‑standing rivalry. Pakistan now faces India in a final that promises fireworks, especially after losing twice to the same opponent in the group stage. Fans across South Asia are already buzzing, anticipating another classic showdown that could swing the balance of power in Asian cricket.
Key performers for Pakistan’s victory include:
- Shaheen Afridi – 3 wickets for 22 runs, relentless at the death.
- Faheem Ashraf – 2 wickets and a crucial over that broke the partnership.
- Haris Rauf – 2 wickets, including a crucial early breakthrough.
- Abrar Ahmed – 1 wicket plus a run‑out that turned the tide.
For Bangladesh, the loss highlights the thin margins in T20 cricket. Their bowling unit, featuring Mustafizur and Taskin, showed moments of brilliance but couldn’t sustain the pressure. The top order’s inability to capitalize on the powerplay left the chase all the more difficult.
Looking ahead, the final will be played on a slightly slower pitch, expected to aid spin as the match progresses. Pakistan’s spinners, especially Faheem, will be key, while India will likely rely on a blend of pace and spin to chase or set a target. The mental edge, however, could belong to the side that learns from this narrow escape – and Pakistan certainly appears ready to rewrite their narrative against India.
As the stadium lights blaze and fans gear up for what could be a historic moment, the cricket world watches. Whether Pakistan can finally avenge their earlier defeats or India will cement another triumph remains the big question – a question that will be answered on the field this Sunday.
