After more than four decades of waiting, cricket fans finally get the dream clash — an India vs Pakistan Asia Cup final. Pakistan sealed their spot after a tense 11-run win over Bangladesh in Dubai, defending a modest total of 135 runs.
Pakistan 135 for 8 (Haris 31, Nawaz 25, Taskin 3-28, Rishad 2-18) beat Bangladesh 124 for 9 (Shamim 30, Afridi 3-17, Rauf 3-33, Ayub 2-16) by 11 runs
Afridi’s Early Double Strike
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first but quickly found themselves in trouble. Shaheen Shah Afridi struck twice in his first three overs, showing his class with movement and accuracy. His new-ball figures of 3-0-11-2 put immediate pressure on Bangladesh’s top order.
Ayub’s Double Breakthrough
Saim Ayub, despite struggling with the bat in this tournament, turned the game with the ball. His double-strike in the middle overs derailed Bangladesh’s chase and shifted momentum Pakistan’s way. Bangladesh had hit seven sixes by the 10th over but collapsed under scoreboard pressure, falling short on a surface that punished risky strokes.
Pakistan’s Early Batting Woes
Bangladesh’s Taskin Ahmed struck early, dismissing Sahibzada Farhan for just 4 and reaching his milestone of 100 T20I wickets. Pakistan’s top order crumbled as Fakhar Zaman, Ayub, Hussain Talat, and captain Salman Agha all fell cheaply. At one point Pakistan were 49 for 5 in the 11th over.
Haris and Nawaz Rescue Pakistan
Enter Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Nawaz. Together they stabilized the innings, with Haris smashing 31 off 23 and Nawaz contributing 25 off 15. Their late hitting, combined with Afridi’s cameo of 19 off 13, lifted Pakistan to 135 – a total that proved just enough.
Bangladesh Falter Under Pressure
Bangladesh’s chase began brightly as Saif Hassan launched big shots early, but Haris Rauf and Ayub pegged them back with wickets at crucial times. Shamim Hossain top-scored with 30 off 25 but received little support. Missing their captain Litton Das due to injury, Bangladesh’s batting lineup lacked stability and kept holing out in search of boundaries.
Rauf’s Scare & Pakistan’s Triumph
There was a moment of concern when Haris Rauf collapsed in his follow-through during the 18th over, but he finished his spell and sealed the win. With this victory, Pakistan booked their place in a historic Asia Cup final against India on Sunday – a showdown cricket fans across the world have been craving.
Key Takeaways:
- Afridi and Rauf led the bowling attack with early and late strikes.
- Ayub’s bowling changed the match despite his batting slump.
- Pakistan defended 135, proving their grit under pressure.
- Bangladesh’s lack of composure cost them a must-win match.
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