(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Asia Cup 2025: India Reach Final, Sri Lanka Knocked Out – Pakistan & Bangladesh’s Fate Hinges on Friday
Dubai – September 24, 2025
India stormed into the Asia Cup 2025 final after defeating Bangladesh in the Super Fours clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
With this win, India not only confirmed their place in the final but also ended Sri Lanka’s campaign in the tournament. The last Super Four game will now decide whether Pakistan or Bangladesh secure the remaining final spot.
Abhishek Sharma Leads the Charge
Opener Abhishek Sharma lit up the stadium with a blistering 75 runs off just 37 balls, smashing five sixes and six boundaries. Alongside Shubman Gill’s quick 29, India raced to 77 runs inside the first seven overs. Despite a mid-innings stumble, India managed to post a competitive 168/6 in 20 overs, with Hardik Pandya (38 off 29) and Axar Patel (10)* contributing at the death.
Bangladesh Collapse Despite Saif Hassan’s Fight
Chasing 169, Bangladesh struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Opener Saif Hassan played a gritty knock of 69 off 51 balls, hitting five sixes and five fours. He shared a valuable 42-run stand with Parvez Hossain Emon (21 off 19), but no other batter could reach double figures.
The innings folded at 127 all out in 19.3 overs, handing India a comfortable victory.
Kuldeep Yadav Spins the Web
India’s bowling was spearheaded by Kuldeep Yadav, who took 3 wickets for just 18 runs. Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy bagged two wickets each, while Axar Patel and Tilak Varma chipped in with one apiece.
For Bangladesh, Rishad Hossain impressed with 2 wickets for 27 runs, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman, and Mohammad Saifuddin picked up one each.
What’s Next?
Although India have sealed their spot in the final, they will play Sri Lanka in their last Super Four match on Friday. The result of Pakistan vs Bangladesh will determine who joins India in the grand finale.
