In cricket, Pakistan sealed the final spot by defeating Bangladesh by 11 runs in their Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai last night. With this win, Pakistan will now face India in the summit clash on Sunday. Remarkably, for the first time in 17 editions of the Asia Cup, India and Pakistan will clash in the final.

 

 

Opting to bowl first, Bangladesh started brilliantly with the ball, particularly in the first 10 overs, and reduced Pakistan to 49 for 5 at one stage. However, crucial cameos from Mohammad Haris, who scored 31, Mohammad Nawaz, who added 25, and Shaheen Afridi, who chipped in with 19, helped Pakistan recover to 135 for 8 in their 20 overs.

 

 

In reply, Bangladesh never quite found momentum as Pakistan mounted a superb comeback with the ball. Their relentless pressure and incisive bowling restricted Bangladesh to 124 for 9, and they eventually fell 11 runs short of the target. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf were outstanding as both claimed three wickets each, while Shamim Hossain tried to fight back with 30 runs, but his effort proved insufficient for Bangladesh.

 

 

Shaheen Afridi was named Player of the Match for his clinical all-round performance with both bat and ball.

 

 

Meanwhile, in another Super Four encounter before the finals, India will face Sri Lanka in their third match of the stage today in Dubai.