DUBAI: Pakistan held their nerve in a tense low-scoring contest to beat Bangladesh by 11 runs and secure a place in Sunday’s Asia Cup final against arch-rivals India.
Defending a modest 135 for 8 at the Dubai International Stadium, Pakistan’s bowlers produced a disciplined performance to restrict Bangladesh to 124 for 9 in their full 20 overs.
Pakistan’s Innings
in Balochistan news updates, Opting to bat first, Pakistan lost Sahibzada Farhan early for 3 (1) to Taskin Ahmed with just four runs on the board.
Fakhar Zaman contributed a steady 13 off 20 before falling to Rishad Hossain, while opener Saim Ayub was out for a duck.
Captain Salman Agha top-scored with 19 from 23 balls, striking one four and a six, and Mohammad Haris injected momentum with a brisk 25 off 15 (two fours, one six, strike-rate 166.66).
Mohammad Nawaz added 14 off 15 and Faheem Ashraf remained unbeaten on 10 as Pakistan closed at 135/8 from their allotted 20 overs.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack shared the wickets effectively. Taskin Ahmed returned 3 for 28, while Mahedi Hasan and Rishad Hossain took two wickets each.
Mustafizur Rahman and Tanzim Hasan Sakib chipped in with one wicket apiece.
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Bangladesh’s Chase
Bangladesh stumbled early when opener Parvez Hossain Emon fell for a duck to Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals: Towhid Hridoy made 10, Mahmudul Hasan Joy 11, and Nurul Hasan 16 before being dismissed.
Shamim Hossain offered late resistance with a brisk 21 off 15 balls (two fours, one six, SR 140), while Rishad Hossain remained unbeaten on 16 off 11.
However, they could manage only 124 for 9 by the end of 20 overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers excelled under pressure. Haris Rauf claimed 3 for 21, Shaheen Afridi 3 for 18, and Mohammad Nawaz 2 for 21.
Faheem Ashraf and Saim Ayub also picked up a wicket each, ensuring that Bangladesh never built a lasting partnership.
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Looking Ahead
This 11-run victory confirms Pakistan’s place in the Asia Cup 2025 final, where they will face traditional rivals India on Sunday. With the bowling unit in strong form, Pakistan will look to sharpen their batting before the title clash that promises high drama and regional pride.
