Pakistan Set Up Historic PAK vs IND Asia Cup 2025 Finals

Sep 27, 2025 - 00:00

Pakistan have qualified for the PAK vs IND Asia Cup 2025 Finals by securing a nerve-rattling 11-run victory over Bangladesh in their 135-defense effort in Dubai. It is the first time in 41 years that the two arch-rivals will be playing in an Asia Cup final, thus setting the stage for one of the most anticipated bouts in modern-day cricket.

Pakistan started the night with a wavering start when their top order failed miserably with disciplined bowling by Bangladeshi bowlers. Taskin Ahmed returned the in-form Sahibzada Farhan early and Mahedi Hasan had Saim Ayub trapped and gave his fifth duck of the tournament. The lean patch of Fakhar Zaman proceeded when he worked to 12 and was dismissed by Rishad Hossain who also sent Hussain Talat cheaply. The replacement of Captain Agha Salman by Mustafizur Rahman put Pakistan on its knees at 49/5 by the 11th over.

But Mohammad Haris (31 off 23) and Mohammad Nawaz (25 off 15) launched a counterattack. Shaheen Afridi put on some late fireworks with two towering sixes and raised the total to 135, which appeared below par on a good batting field.

The bowlers of Pakistan, however, made a turn in the game. Afridi opened the tone with early hits and ended with an excellent 3 to 17. Haris Rauf returned on an expensive debut to take three off 33, as part-time Saim Ayub overcame his failure at the bat to take two crucial wickets. It was the loss of composition in the chase of Bangladesh, despite the vigour with which Shamim Hossain scored 30, and the unwise selection of the shots which decided their doom.

The win will see Pakistan enter the PAK vs IND Finals, where they will face an unbeaten India in a high-voltage match in Dubai. Global cricket fans are anticipating something that reminds them of the vintage battles of the 1980s.