Pakistan edges past Bangladesh by 11-run win to set up final clash with India News24 –
BAN vs PAK: In a tense and tightly fought semi-final at the Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan managed to hold their nerve and secure an 11-run victory over Bangladesh, booking their place in the tournament final where they will once again face their arch-rivals, India.
Pakistan’s never-say-never attitude earns them a spot in the Final! 😍
Defending a modest target, 🇵🇰 were at their best with the ball & in the field, standing up on the big stage claiming a thumping win!#PAKvBAN #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 #ACC pic.twitter.com/uqALRLxjOU
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 25, 2025
The match was a classic low-scoring thriller, with both teams struggling to find rhythm under immense pressure. Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bowl first, hoping to restrict Pakistan to a manageable total. However, despite their disciplined bowling efforts, Pakistan’s batting once again looked fragile and lacked momentum.
Batting first, Pakistan could only muster 135 runs in their allotted 20 overs. The top order faltered badly, with half the team dismissed for just 49 runs. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Haris was the lone bright spot, top-scoring with a gritty 31 off 23 deliveries, showing composure in the middle while others struggled to get going. The rest of the lineup failed to capitalize, leaving Pakistan with a modest total that looked below par on most days.
Yet, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by the ever-reliable Shaheen Afridi, turned the match on its head. Afridi’s superb spell of 4 overs for just 17 runs, including three crucial wickets, kept Bangladesh under constant pressure throughout the innings.
Bangladesh’s chase began shakily and never really recovered. The pressure of the occasion showed in their batting, as wickets fell at regular intervals, starting as early as the first over. What added to their woes was a series of costly fielding lapses – a stark contrast to their sharp performance against India earlier in the tournament. Dropped catches and misfields allowed Pakistan to stay afloat and keep the scoreboard ticking, turning the tide in their favor.
Ultimately, Bangladesh managed only 124 runs, falling short by 11 runs in what was effectively a do-or-die encounter. With this defeat, Bangladesh’s Asia Cup journey comes to an end, while Pakistan advances to a highly anticipated final against India.