PAK vs BAN, Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan Secure Final Spot

PAK vs BAN: Pakistan secured their spot in the final of the Asia Cup 2025 with a determined 11-run victory over Bangladesh in a low-scoring thriller at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

In a match where scoring runs was tough, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Saim Ayub were the heroes with the ball, while Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Haris contributed vital runs to see Pakistan through to defend 135, their lowest-ever total against Bangladesh.

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Where Was the Game Won? – Death Overs Decide the PAK vs BAN Thriller

Although the match was neck-and-neck at the end of the final overs, Pakistan was ahead in the death overs. Even though Nawaz’s late innings brought Pakistan to a competitive total, Bangladesh folded under the pressure and could not chase down 136 runs on a tricky pitch. Some of the chances they dropped and the missed run-outs in the middle overs also came back to haunt them.

Innings Breakdown of Pakistan

Powerplay: Bangladesh Cuts Early Momentum

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Score: 27/2, Run Rate: 4.50, 4s/6s: 5/0

Bangladesh’s bowlers kept the Pakistan batsmen in check during the Powerplay. Mustafizur Rahman and Tanzim Sakib set tight lines, while Rishad Hossain took a sharp catch to send back Sahibzada Farhan. Saim Ayub followed immediately, getting out for a duck, the fourth duck in six innings for the left-hander.

Middle Overs: Rishad Rules with Spin

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Score: 56/4, Run Rate: 6.22, 4s/6s: 3/2

Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain tightened the screw with two rapid wickets, getting rid of Fakhar Zaman and Hussain Talat. Salman Agha could not get into rhythm, ultimately getting out for a slow 19 off 23. Mohammad Haris and Shaheen Afridi, though, brought the innings back on track, with the help of three dropped catches by Bangladesh in this period.

Death Overs: Nawaz Turns the Tide

Score: 52/2, Run Rate: 10.40, 4s/6s: 1/3

Mohammad Nawaz capitalized on a missed opportunity to hit a crucial 25 off 15 deliveries, hitting huge sixes against Mahedi Hasan and Taskin Ahmed. Late hits from Faheem Ashraf took Pakistan to 135/8, a rearguard effort on a tricky pitch.

Bangladesh’s Chase – Strangled by Spin and Pace

Powerplay: Afridi and Rauf Strike Early

Score: 36/3, Run Rate: 6.00, 4s/6s: 1/4

Shaheen Afridi dismissed a Bangladesh opener in the first over and then took the wicket of Towhid Hridoy. Saif Hassan, who attempted to attack Rauf, also went out, and Pakistan got the early upper hand.

Middle Overs: Pakistan’s Spin Web

Score: 49/3, Run Rate: 5.79, 4s/6s: 0/6

Despite a workable asking rate, Bangladesh could not rotate strike and score boundaries. Pakistan’s spin trio of Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Saim Ayub dominated the pace. Mahedi Hasan, Nurul Hasan, and Jaker Ali were dismissed in an attempt to attack.

Death Overs: Bangladesh Collapse Under Pressure

Score: 39/3, Run Rate: 7.80, 4s/6s: 5/1

Requiring approximately 40 from the final four overs, Bangladesh folded in the face of Pakistan’s pace trio. Haris Rauf dismissed Tanzim Sakib, and Rishad Hossain revived hopes momentarily with a final-over six. However, with 18 to get from 3 deliveries, the target was too distant.

Player of the Match: Shaheen Shah Afridi

What’s Next in Asia Cup 2025?

As a result of this victory, Pakistan have qualified for the 2025 Asia Cup final, where they will meet long-time rival India on Sunday, marking their third meeting in the tournament. Bangladesh’s adventure comes to an end with missed opportunities and what-ifs.