Pakistan stormed into the Asia Cup 2025 final after a tense 11-run win over Bangladesh, setting up a mouth-watering clash against India. The Super Four match at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium delivered drama till the final over, as Bangladesh mounted a spirited chase but fell just short.
Pakistan Build Competitive Total
Put in to bat first, Pakistan compiled 267/8 in their 50 overs. The innings was anchored by skipper Babar Azam, who struck a patient 61 from 82 balls. Though not his most fluent knock, it held the innings together when Bangladesh’s bowlers threatened to make breakthroughs.
Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman gave a steady start, with a 72-run stand that blunted the new ball. Fakhar looked aggressive but fell for 44. Imam contributed 38 before being undone by Taskin Ahmed.
The middle overs saw Rizwan (42 off 49) play a busy innings, while Shadab Khan added fireworks late in the innings. His 25-ball 37, laced with two sixes, ensured Pakistan crossed the 260-mark. Taskin and Shoriful Islam were the pick of Bangladesh’s bowlers, returning with two wickets each.
Bangladesh Fight Hard in Run Chase
In reply, Bangladesh’s chase was anchored by Najmul Hossain Shanto. The left-hander showed composure, crafting 74 runs off 92 balls, with elegant stroke play through the covers and square. He found occasional support from Shakib Al Hasan (24) and Towhid Hridoy (33 off 28), but Pakistan’s bowlers struck regularly to keep the pressure on.
The game swung in the 45th over when Haris Rauf dismissed Hridoy, ending a dangerous partnership. Bangladesh needed 28 off 18 balls with three wickets in hand, but Shaheen Afridi’s disciplined 49th over left them too much to do. They were bowled out for 256, agonisingly short of the target.
Pakistan’s Bowling Unit Shines
Shaheen Afridi’s 3 for 45 was central to Pakistan’s win. He took the early wicket of Litton Das and returned in the death overs to stifle Bangladesh. Shadab Khan contributed with two middle-over scalps, while Haris Rauf (2 for 41) delivered the killer blows in the final stages.
The balance in Pakistan’s bowling — pace spearheaded by Afridi and Rauf, backed by Shadab’s spin — once again proved decisive in crunch situations.
India–Pakistan Final Set to Thrill
The win means Pakistan will now face India in the Asia Cup 2025 final, a contest that always carries enormous hype beyond cricketing circles. India, having beaten both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh comprehensively in the Super Four, look in formidable touch. Pakistan, however, will be buoyed by their gritty win and the form of their bowling attack.
Fans and experts alike are already billing the final as the “match of the year.” Stadium tickets are reported to be sold out, and broadcasters anticipate record-breaking viewership worldwide.
Bangladesh Fall Short Yet Again
For Bangladesh, it was another case of “so near yet so far.” Despite Shanto’s brilliance, the lack of a match-winning finish cost them dearly. Their inability to close out tight matches remains a concern. Captain Shakib admitted after the game that the team needs to develop more temperament in crunch scenarios.
Still, positives emerged — Shanto’s consistency, Taskin’s bowling discipline, and Hridoy’s fearless batting. With the T20 World Cup approaching, Bangladesh’s think tank hopes to build on these performances.
Reactions from Players
Speaking after the win, Babar Azam said: “It was not easy to bat out there, the pitch was slow and gripping. I just wanted to anchor and take us deep. Credit to the bowlers for pulling us through.”
Shaheen Afridi added: “We always back ourselves in tight situations. This win gives us confidence for the final.”
Shakib, meanwhile, praised his team’s fight: “We fought till the end, but small mistakes cost us. Against teams like Pakistan, you have to be near-perfect.”
Fans Gear Up for Super Sunday
Social media exploded after the result, with hashtags like #PakvsIndFinal and #AsiaCup2025 trending globally. Pakistani fans hailed the team’s resilience, while Indian fans expressed excitement at the prospect of another Indo-Pak showdown.
Security, logistics, and ticketing are being ramped up for the final, given the heightened emotions that accompany such encounters. The match is expected to attract dignitaries, cricket legends, and millions of viewers worldwide.