Asia Cup 2025: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf shine as Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 11 runs, set up title clash with India

Pakistan’s pace pair, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi, took three wickets each to help their team fight back and defeat Bangladesh by 11 runs in a close Super Fours match of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. With this win, Pakistan set up a high-stakes final against long-time rivals India.

This will be the first time in Asia Cup history (across 17 editions) that India and Pakistan will meet in the final match.

How was Shaheen Afridi’s start?

Shaheen Afridi started strongly by removing Bangladesh’s top-order batters early. Bangladesh also made things worse for themselves with poor shot selection and confusion while running between the wickets.

Although Shamim Hossain tried to hold the innings together, once Shaheen dismissed him, the rest of the team collapsed. Bangladesh finished at 124/9 in their 20 overs. Shaheen ended with figures of 3/17, and Rauf claimed 3/33.

What happened in Pakistan’s batting?

Earlier in the match, Pakistan struggled to score runs on a slow pitch. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed led Bangladesh’s attack with 3/28, while Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, and Mahedi Hasan also picked up key wickets.

Pakistan’s batting never really took off, but small quick innings from Mohammad Haris (31 runs) and Mohammad Nawaz (25 runs) helped them reach 135/8.

At the halfway point, Bangladesh seemed to be in control. But their weak batting performance, along with strong and determined bowling by Pakistan, turned the game around. As a result, India and Pakistan will now face off in a much-anticipated final to decide the champion of this eight-team tournament.

Match Summary:

• Pakistan – 135/8 in 20 overs (Mohammad Haris 31, Mohammad Nawaz 25; Taskin Ahmed 3/28, Rishad Hossain 2/18)

• Bangladesh – 124/9 in 20 overs (Shamim Hossain 30, Saif Hassan 18; Shaheen Afridi 3/17, Haris Rauf 3/33)

• Result: Pakistan won by 11 runs