Pakistan clinched a tense 11-run victory over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 25, 2025, securing their place in the final against India—the first T20 Asia Cup final between the arch-rivals. Pakistan posted 135/8 in 20 overs, anchored by Mohammad Haris (31 off 23) and Mohammad Nawaz (25 off 15), while Bangladesh managed 124/9, with Shamim Hossain’s 30 off 25 the standout effort. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s 3/17 earned him Player of the Match, driving Pakistan (2-1 in Super Four) to the September 28 final and ending Bangladesh’s campaign (1-3 in Super Four).
Match Overview
- Sport: Cricket
- League: Asia Cup 2025 (T20 Format)
- Matchup: Pakistan vs Bangladesh
- Match Covered: 17th Match, Super Four — September 25, 2025
- Result: Pakistan won by 11 runs
(Pakistan 135/8 in 20 overs; Bangladesh 124/9 in 20 overs) - Venue & Date: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai — September 25, 2025
- Toss: Bangladesh won and elected to field
- Match Duration: Approximately 3 hours, 30 minutes (standard T20 duration, per ball-by-ball coverage)
- Attendance: High turnout reported for the high-stakes clash
On a pitch assisting seamers early and spinners later, Bangladesh’s bowlers capitalized to trigger a mid-innings collapse, but Pakistan’s lower order rallied to set a defendable total. In the chase, Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Shaheen and Haris Rauf, dismantled Bangladesh’s batting, with early wickets proving decisive despite a brief middle-order fightback. This victory sets up a blockbuster India-Pakistan final on September 28.
Pakistan Innings: 135/8 (20 overs)
Innings Summary
Pakistan struggled early against Bangladesh’s disciplined attack, with Taskin Ahmed (3/28) removing key top-order batters, including Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub, to leave them reeling in the powerplay. A mid-innings collapse saw them at 60/5 by the 10th over, with Rishad Hossain (2/18) striking crucial blows. Mohammad Haris (31 off 23, 2 fours, 2 sixes) and Mohammad Nawaz (25 off 15, 3 fours) led a recovery with a vital partnership, while Shaheen Shah Afridi’s quickfire contribution boosted the total in the final overs, with Pakistan adding significant runs late despite Mustafizur Rahman’s tight death bowling.
Key Pakistan Batters
| Player | Runs (Balls) | SR | Key Moments |
| Mohammad Haris | 31 (23) | 134.78 | 2 fours, 2 sixes; led recovery from mid-innings slump |
| Mohammad Nawaz | 25 (15) | 166.67 | 3 fours; key stand with Haris |
| Salman Agha (Captain) | 19 (23) | 82.61 | Stabilized innings; run out |
| Fakhar Zaman | 12 (10) | 120.00 | Early contribution; dismissed by Taskin |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Runs not specified | – | Quickfire cameo; boosted total late |
Bangladesh Bowling Figures
- Taskin Ahmed (Pacer): 4-0-28-3, Econ 7.00, 3 wkts (including Farhan, Zaman). Early and mid-innings damage
- Rishad Hossain (Spinner): 4-0-18-2, Econ 4.50, 2 wkts (including Agha). Middle-overs control
- Mustafizur Rahman (Pacer): 4-0-30-1, Econ 7.50, 1 wkt (Ayub). Death containment.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Spinner): 4-0-25-1, Econ 6.25, 1 wkt (Nawaz). Tight spell.
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib (Pacer): 4-0-32-1, Econ 8.00, 1 wkt (Fakhar).
Key Moments (Pakistan Innings)
| Over | Bowler/Side | Key Events & Runs |
| 1-6 (Powerplay) | Pace (Taskin, Mustafizur) | Early wickets; top order falters. ~18 runs, 2 wkts |
| 7-10 | Spin (Rishad, Mehidy) | Collapse deepens to 60/5 (10 ov). ~42 runs, 3 wkts |
| 11-15 | Mixed | Haris-Nawaz stabilize; recovery begins. ~30 runs, 1 wkt |
| 16-20 | Pace/Spin | Late surge led by Haris, Nawaz; total 135/8. ~45 runs, 2 wkts |
Bangladesh Innings: 124/9 (20 overs)
Innings Summary
Bangladesh’s chase began disastrously, with Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/17) removing both openers early, leaving them at 11/3 after the powerplay. Shamim Hossain (30 off 25, 2 sixes) and Rishad Hossain (16 off 10) offered resistance with a 40-run stand, pushing to 60/5 by the 10th over. Haris Rauf’s (3/33) late burst, including key wickets, and Saim Ayub’s spin (2 wickets) triggered a collapse, with Bangladesh unable to recover despite Taskin Ahmed’s unbeaten 6 off 5. Poor shot selection and pressure from Pakistan’s attack sealed their fate.
Key Bangladesh Batters
| Player | Runs (Balls) | SR | Key Moments |
| Shamim Hossain | 30 (25) | 120.00 | 2 sixes; 40-run stand with Rishad |
| Rishad Hossain | 16 (10) | 160.00 | Quick runs; bowled by Rauf |
| Taskin Ahmed | 6* (5) | 120.00 | Unbeaten; late effort |
| Towhid Hridoy | 5 (6) | 83.33 | Early wicket; caught off Shaheen |
| Parvez Hossain Emon | 0 (2) | 0.00 | Duck; dismissed by Shaheen |
Pakistan Bowling Figures
- Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pacer): 4-0-17-3, Econ 4.25, 3 wkts (including Emon, Hridoy). Powerplay hero
- Haris Rauf (Pacer): 4-0-33-3, Econ 8.25, 3 wkts (including Rishad). Death-over clincher
- Saim Ayub (Spinner): 3-0-16-2, Econ 5.33, 2 wkts (including Jaker). Mid-innings spark.
- Abrar Ahmed (Spinner): 4-0-25-1, Econ 6.25, 1 wkt. Controlled middle.
- Mohammad Nawaz (Spinner): 3-0-20-0, Econ 6.67, 0 wkts. Economical support.
Key Moments (Bangladesh Innings)
| Over | Bowler/Side | Key Events & Runs |
| 1-6 (Powerplay) | Pace (Shaheen, Rauf) | Shaheen’s early strikes; 11/3. 11 runs, 3 wkts |
| 7-10 | Spin (Ayub, Abrar) | Collapse to 60/5 (10 ov); Ayub’s wickets. 49 runs, 2 wkts |
| 11-15 | Mixed | Shamim-Rishad stand; resistance. 30 runs, 1 wkt |
| 16-20 | Pace (Rauf, Shaheen) | Rauf’s burst; 124/9 total. 34 runs, 3 wkts |
Head-to-Head Analysis
Pakistan’s win strengthens their T20I edge over Bangladesh (13-5), with a 6-2 Asia Cup record. The 135/8 total was Pakistan’s lowest defended against Bangladesh, with their lower-order resilience proving key. Bangladesh’s 124/9 reflects their chase struggles (0/4 in Super Four). Shaheen’s 3/17 is his best in the tournament; the Shamim-Rishad stand was Bangladesh’s most significant partnership.
Pakistan’s Strengths:
- Pace dominance: Shaheen (3/17) and Rauf (3/33) took 6 wickets to derail the chase.
- Late recovery: Haris and Nawaz’s stand turned the game from a mid-innings collapse.
Bangladesh’s Strengths:
- Early bowling pressure: Taskin (3/28) and Rishad (2/18) triggered early wickets.
- Mid-innings fight: Shamim’s 30 kept hopes alive.
Match Standouts
Pakistan
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: 3/17, Player of the Match. Devastated powerplay .
- Haris Rauf: 3/33, Econ 8.25. Sealed victory with late wickets .
- Mohammad Haris: 31 off 23, SR 134.78. Sparked batting recovery .
Bangladesh
- Shamim Hossain: 30 off 25, SR 120.00. Anchored chase .
- Taskin Ahmed: 3/28, Econ 7.00. Led early bowling .
- Rishad Hossain: 2/18, Econ 4.50. Mid-overs spin threat .
Series Context
Pakistan (2-1 in Super Four, 4-1 overall)
With group wins over UAE and a Super Four victory over Sri Lanka, Pakistan’s triumph here secures their final spot against India on September 28, setting up a high-voltage clash .
Bangladesh (1-3 in Super Four, 3-3 overall)
Despite a group win over Hong Kong and a Super Four upset over Sri Lanka, losses to Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan, coupled with chasing woes (0/4), end their campaign. Focus shifts to T20 World Cup preparation .
Injury and Roster Notes
- Pakistan: No reported injuries; likely retained XI from Sri Lanka match .
- Bangladesh: Jaker Ali captained; no confirmed injuries .
Conclusion
Pakistan’s 11-run defense (PAK 135/8; BAN 124/9) in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four, driven by Shaheen Afridi’s 3/17 and Haris-Nawaz’s batting resilience, earned their final berth against India. Bangladesh’s early bowling promise faded under pressure, concluding their tournament. For full scorecards and highlights, visit ESPNcricinfo, NDTV Sports, The Indian Express, or The Financial Express.
