Pakistan Set Up Dream Asia Cup Final vs India After Thrilling Win
Afridi, Rauf Shine as Pakistan Edge Bangladesh by 11 Runs
Dubai: After more than four decades of waiting, cricket fans are finally getting the clash they dreamed of — Pakistan vs India in an Asia Cup final. Pakistan secured their spot with a nerve-wracking 11-run victory over Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday.
Defending a modest total of 135 runs, Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/17), Haris Rauf (3/33), and Saim Ayub (2/16) delivered under pressure, dismantling Bangladesh’s chase of 136.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles Early On
Taskin Ahmed struck early, removing Sahibzada Farhan for just 4.
Saim Ayub fell for his fourth duck in six innings, while Fakhar Zaman crawled to 12 off 18 before departing.
At 49/5 by the 11th over, Pakistan looked in deep trouble.
But Mohammad Haris (31 off 23) and Mohammad Nawaz (25 off 15) revived the innings with crucial counterattacks, adding much-needed runs. Afridi also chipped in with two towering sixes before falling for 19.
Their late surge helped Pakistan push to 135/8, which ultimately proved just enough.
Afridi and Rauf Lead Bowling Fightback
Shaheen Afridi set the tone, striking twice inside the powerplay. His fiery opening spell of 3-0-11-2 put Bangladesh on the back foot immediately.
Although Bangladesh tried to counter with big hits — smashing 7 sixes in total — they kept losing wickets at crucial stages. Shamim Hossain top-scored with 30, but none of the others could carry the innings deep.
Haris Rauf returned in the middle overs to break partnerships, despite a brief injury scare in the 18th over. He bowled through pain, sealing Pakistan’s hard-fought win.
What’s Next: India vs Pakistan Final
With this victory, Pakistan booked their place in the Asia Cup 2025 final against India on Sunday — the first time ever these two arch-rivals will meet in the title clash of the tournament.
Fans across the subcontinent are gearing up for a historic showdown that promises fireworks both on and off the field.