It was a classic case of the occasion getting the better of Bangladesh as it fluffed a 136-run chase at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday (September 25, 2025), setting up the first-ever Asia Cup final between archrivals Pakistan and India.
With 39 runs needed off 20 balls, Bangladesh’s hopes were riding on Shamim Hossain. But when the left-hander reverse-scooped a back-of-the-hand slower delivery from Shaheen Shah Afridi behind point, the Tigers’ challenge was all but over.
Led by a clinical bowling performance on a surface where run-making wasn’t easy, Pakistan defended their joint-lowest total against Bangladesh and booked a place in the final of the 2025 Asia Cup, where they will face India on Sunday. Led by a late blitz from Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Nawaz, Pakistan posted 135 for 8, a total handy to beat Bangladesh by 11 runs on Friday, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Where was the game won?
Death overs: Heading into the death overs, even if marginally, Bangladesh were technically ahead of Pakistan. However, Mohammad Nawaz was able to take full advantage of a dropped catch, and with full license to swing, smashed a breezy 15-ball 25 to help Pakistan to a competitive total on a surface where getting the big hits wasn’t easy. Bangladesh, on the other hand, reached the same stage under pressure of a massive required rate, and struggled against the clever changes in pace of the Pakistani pacers. In some ways, the impact of the middle overs (where Bangladesh fielders dropped three catches and later missed out a run out chance) was felt in the final stage.