@Shaheen Afridi celebrates after taking a wicket vs Bangladesh in Asia Cup 2025
Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 11 runs in an exciting Super Four game in Dubai on 25 September 2025, securing a spot in the final against longtime rival India and so becoming the 2025 Asia Cup champions.
Even more dramatic about this win was the manner in which Pakistan defended a modest total of 135 to 8 and subsequently choked the chase by Bangladesh who could only manage 124 to 9 within their 20 overs.
Toss, Decision & Early Struggles:
Stand-in captain of Bangladesh Jaker Ali won the toss and chose to field first.
The move put an instant strain on the top order of Pakistan. Preliminarily the partnership was unable to find its level, not Sahibzada Farhan (out early) or Saim Ayub (falling soon after), could get the proper impulse. Even middle-order batters did not do well, when Fakhar Zaman and captain Salman Ali Agha came in to bat the batters, the score board was at 49/5. The collapse looked ominous. But the lower order was the one that revived the innings of Pakistan. Mohammad Haris was a cameo, a 31-run tour in only 17 balls, which was life-giving in what appeared to be a dead innings. Mohammad Nawaz (25 off 15) got in on the train. Thereupon Shaheen Shah Afridi made a contribution of 19 out of 13 balls. Combined this three-man provided much-needed late contributions to propel Pakistan to 135/8 after 20 overs - a competitive score under the circumstances on the pitch. Pakistan would probably depend on its bowling attack during the second innings in order to defend the 135 which was not really a very domineering score. Bangladesh Chase and Bowling Brilliance:Chase 136 Bangladesh starts was nervous.Saif Hassan initially made resistance with 18, but lost partners every 5 their way.
Mahedi Hasan (11) and Nurul Hasan (16) offered some normalcy but the wickets continued to fall.
The actual turning point was however, that of Pakistan pace duo. The star of the show was Shaheen Afridi who struck 3/17 in his four overs - with two of those early wickets knocking out the top order of the Bangladesh side.
Haris Rauf was equally as active with 3/33 against the middle and lower order.
Between the two fast bowlers stood, six of the wickets of Bangladesh fell, and the chase became an uphill one.
One other bowlers performance that deserves mention was the bowling of Saim Ayub (not a regular frontline bowler) who bowled 4 overs for 2/16 - tightening the screws when Bangladesh had to drive.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, endeavored to rouse an opposition by the aid of Shamim Hossain, who struck 30, but was thrown out by Afridi in the 17th over--a wicket which practically killed the last spark of revival.
When the innings of Bangladesh failed in the last overs they came achingly close as they ended with 124/9.The margin of 11 runs was very close but it was the disciplined bowling performance by Pakistan that scored the difference.
Key Moments & Turning Points:
- Middle Order collapse for Pakistan: Pakistan were 49/5 and it was no big deal to get them out but the innings changed since the lower-order came back.
- Haris-Nawaz-Afridi retaliation: They had made a poor total but their late strikes turned it to a defendable score.
- Shaheen and Rauf spell: Both pacers had dealt significant hits at distinct stages of the hunt to ensure that Bangladesh does not relax.
- Ayub economical management: Ayub held himself back when the pursuit might have increased speed, served to turn the tide.
- Afridi sending Shamim away: That wicket was the knock of doom on the poor Bangladesh, when it still had faint hopes.
Implications & Reactions:
This win had significant consequences in addition to the euphoria of winning. It got Pakistan to the final of the Asia cup, which would be against India on 28 September.
It was also a tactical brilliance of Pakistan that was highlighted in the match the bowling firepower rescued them after a poor batting performance.
The captain of Pakistan Salman Ali Agha praised the bowling attack that had come at the right time.
Analysts and pundits lauded Shaheen on how he was able to find form when needed and Rauf on how he stood by him a strong combination on a pitch that provided relief.
Bangladesh, in turn, deplored their fragility in the top-order, and failure to establish partnerships when it was pressured.
As a viewer, the game was another twist to the bitter cricketing game between these two countries. The stakes were a high value and every session was weighty. The narrow victory by Pakistan strengthened the fact that in T20s, it is usually the control of key phases that will spell the difference between victory and defeat rather than the huge score.
Reflection & Looking Ahead:
Although the batting of Pakistan may have not been very consistent that day, the fact that they were able to win that match through the bowling which they did in a disciplined manner, is a reminder that the game is multi dimensional. It also paved the way to a high-voltage final with India where Pakistan would need every component of their game (batting, bowling, fielding) functioning. To Bangladesh, the loss would lead to a self-reflection of their tactics in decisive matches particularly when they are under pressure.
In conclude, 25 September 2025 will be the date when Pakistan showed their nerve to defend a modest total, and perform under pressure to get Bangladesh to the margin by 11 points, secure their place in the Asia Cup final, and revive hope in the hearts of their fans that they might beat India in the final.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 135/8 in 20 overs (Mohammad Haris 31, Mohammad Nawaz 25; Taskin Ahmed 3-28, Rishad Hossain 2-18) Beat Bangladesh 124/9 in 20 overs ( Shamim Hossain 30, Saif Hassan 18; Shaheen Afridi 3-17, Haris Rauf 3-33) by 11 runs.