(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan Set Up Thrilling Final Clash With India
Dubai, September 25, 2025: Pakistan booked a spot in the Asia Cup 2025 final after a thrilling 11-run victory over Bangladesh in the Super Four stage at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Posting a modest 135-8, the Green Shirts relied on standout performances from Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Haris, who took three wickets apiece to restrict Bangladesh in a tense run chase.
Shaheen Afridi Steers Pakistan
Shaheen Afridi, named Player of the Match, showcased his all-round skills, scoring 19 runs off 13 balls and taking 3-17 with the ball. “I attacked up-front as the team needed an early breakthrough — the three overs in the powerplay made all the difference,” he said during the post-match ceremony, dedicating the award to his wife and son.
Haris Rauf Shines in Death Overs
Mohammad Haris contributed 31 crucial runs down the order and claimed key wickets at critical moments, helping Pakistan hold their nerve. Skipper Salman Ali Agha praised him as a “special player” and noted, “If we can win these kinds of games, then we must be a special team.”
Match Summary
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Pakistan struggled initially, losing early wickets including Saim Ayub’s fourth duck of the Asia Cup.
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Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf applied pressure with early breakthroughs, keeping Bangladesh under control.
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Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed supported the attack with timely wickets, while fielding lapses from Bangladesh added to Pakistan’s advantage.
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Haris Rauf’s late overs ensured Pakistan maintained a narrow lead, despite Bangladesh hitting boundaries and sixes in the final over.
Road to the Final
With this win, Pakistan will face arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup final for the first time in the tournament’s 17th edition. The match is set to capture the attention of cricket fans worldwide, continuing the long-standing rivalry between the two teams.
Pakistan’s disciplined bowling and timely batting under pressure proved decisive, turning a modest total into a memorable victory. Fans and analysts now eagerly await the highly anticipated final clash against India.
