Nail-Biting Finish: Pakistan Hold Nerve to Defeat Bangladesh, Set Up Blockbuster Asia Cup Final

NIRAMANDHAN September 26, 2025


Match Context: Stakes for Both Sides

Bangladesh and Pakistan entered the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match in Dubai knowing the result would determine the second finalist to join India. Pakistan, under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha, needed a rebound after a shaky run, while a resurgent Bangladesh was riding the confidence of a recent win against Sri Lanka.indianexpress+2

Both teams have built modern, high-performing T20 squads, with Pakistan emphasizing fiery pace and Bangladesh relying on all-round grit. The stage was set for a gritty contest with high stakes – a place in a historic India-Pakistan final.

First Innings: Pakistan’s Battle for Runs

Asked to bat first by Bangladesh’s Jaker Ali, Pakistan struggled early. Bangladesh’s bowling, led by Taskin Ahmed (3/28), repeatedly broke Pakistan’s rhythm, reducing them to 49 for 5 inside 10 overs.timesofindia.indiatimes+2

Key highlights:

  • Mohammad Haris played a counter-attacking knock of 31 off 23 balls.

  • Mohammad Nawaz’s late 25 off 15 balls allowed a mini-recovery.

  • Lower order cameos from Shaheen Shah Afridi (19) helped Pakistan reach 135/8 in 20 overs, a total that looked slightly below par at halfway.espncricinfo+2

Pakistan Batting Summary

BatsmanRunsBallsSR
Mohammad Haris3123134.78sports.ndtv+1
Mohammad Nawaz2515166.67sports.ndtv+1
Shaheen Afridi199211.11sports.ndtv+1
Others<20----

Bangladesh Bowling Standouts

  • Taskin Ahmed: 4 overs, 3 wickets, 28 runs

  • Rishad Hossain: 2 wickets, 18 runs in his spell.news18+1

Second Innings: Bangladesh’s Tumultuous Chase

Chasing a modest 136, Bangladesh started steadily but lost their way as Pakistan’s bowlers ratcheted up the pressure. While Towhid Hridoy and Shamim Hossain offered hope with brief partnerships, wickets fell at regular intervals as Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf tore through the batting order.sports.ndtv+3

Key Turning Points:

  • Saim Ayub picked up 2 crucial wickets in the middle overs, stalling Bangladesh’s progress.

  • Shamim Hossain top-scored for Bangladesh with 30, but received little support.

  • Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi finished with 3 wickets each, including critical strikes in the death overs.

Bangladesh ultimately finished at 124/9 after their 20 overs, falling short by 11 runs. Pakistan’s fielders, despite a few lapses, held on under intense pressure.hindustantimes+2

Bangladesh Batting Summary

BatsmanRunsBallsSR
Shamim Hossain30----
Saif Hassan13----
Tail-Enders<10----

Pakistan Bowling Highlights

  • Shaheen Afridi: 3/17 in 4 overs

  • Haris Rauf: 3/33 in 4 overs

  • Saim Ayub: 2/16news18+2

Full Scorecard: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Asia Cup T20 2025 Super Four

InningsRuns/WktsOversTop Scorers/Bowlers
Pakistan135/820.0M. Haris 31, M. Nawaz 25, Afridi 19
Bangladesh124/920.0S. Hossain 30, S. Hassan 13

 Bowling Standouts
TeamBowlerOversRunsWickets
PakistanAfridi4173
PakistanRauf4333
BangladeshTaskin Ahmed4283
BangladeshRishad Hossain--182

Strategic Analysis: How Pakistan Pulled Off a Win

1. Lower-Order Grit

Despite early setbacks, Pakistan’s lower order stepped up. Quick runs from Afridi and Nawaz in the final 5 overs ensured the total had something for the bowlers to attack.espncricinfo+2

2. Bowlers Deliver Under Pressure

Afridi’s wicket-taking ability with the new ball and Rauf’s electric spells at the death were decisive. Their combination strangled Bangladesh’s chase each time momentum threatened to swing.hindustantimes+2

3. Fielding and Game Awareness

Though Pakistan missed a few run-out chances, their energy in the field and tactical bowling changes constantly kept Bangladesh under the pump.hindustantimes

Social Buzz & Aftermath

Fans took to social media to praise Pakistan’s resilience and Bangladesh’s fighting spirit. Crucial wickets, eye-catching boundaries, and last-over drama were real-time trending topics. Experts lauded the match for its heart-stopping moments and its significance in the Asia Cup narrative, setting the stage for a classic India-Pakistan final.sports.ndtv+2

Takeaways: Lessons for Both Sides

  • Pakistan: Bowled as a unit, fielded bravely under pressure, and overcame a mid-innings wobble. The lower order delivering highlighted the team’s depth and character.news18+1

  • Bangladesh: Strong bowling effort, but shot selection and temperament in the chase let them down. Learning to close tight games will be key for future tournaments.timesofindia.indiatimes+1

Final Thoughts

The Pakistan vs Bangladesh 2025 Asia Cup Super Four clash delivered everything a T20 classic promises: drama, skill, pressure, and a dash of unpredictability. With this win, Pakistan not only forged a path to a tantalizing India-Pakistan finale but also reinforced their credentials as a resilient side built for the big stage.sports.ndtv+2

For Bangladesh, the match was a heartbreaker but also a sign that their young side is close to consistently challenging the continent’s best. As the dust settles, cricket fans across the globe now have their eyes set on the much-anticipated final, knowing that if the Super Four was any indication, the best may still be yet to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was the top scorer for Pakistan?
A: Mohammad Haris (31 off 23 balls), followed by Mohammad Nawaz and Shaheen Afridi.news18+1

Q: What was the turning point of the match?
A: The late-order sixes from Afridi and Nawaz, and a spell of 2 wickets from Saim Ayub in the middle overs.

Q: Who were the best bowlers?
A: Shaheen Afridi (3/17) and Haris Rauf (3/33) for Pakistan; Taskin Ahmed (3/28) for Bangladesh.espncricinfo+1

Q: What’s next for these teams?
A: Pakistan faces India in the Asia Cup 2025 final, while Bangladesh will regroup for their next big assignment.

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