Pakistan clinched a spot in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 final with a tense 11-run victory over Bangladesh on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Dubai International Stadium. This sets up a historic first final clash with India on Sunday, September 28.
Batting first after losing the toss, Pakistan struggled on a bowler-friendly pitch, posting 135-8 in 20 overs. Early blows saw Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub fall cheaply, leaving Pakistan at 5-2. Rishad Hossain’s leg-spin dismissed Fakhar Zaman and Hussain Talat, reducing them to 47-4 by the 10th over. Captain Salman Ali Agha fell to Mustafizur Rahman after a review. Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Nawaz added brief resistance, but Taskin Ahmed’s 3-28 and Mahedi Hasan’s two wickets kept Pakistan to 135, with Faheem Ashraf’s 14* off 9 providing late runs.
Pakistan’s bowlers turned the game. Shaheen Afridi struck early, removing Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy. Saim Ayub’s 2 wickets, including captain Jaker Ali, left Bangladesh at 73-6. Haris Rauf dismissed Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Taskin Ahmed, finishing with 2 wickets. Bangladesh ended at 124-9, falling 11 runs short. Afridi’s 3 wickets earned him Player of the Match.
7️⃣th wicket falls courtesy @iShaheenAfridi ☄️
Bangladesh are 97-7 after 17 overs #PAKvBAN | #BackTheBoysInGreen | #AsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/1FMDqssOZi
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 25, 2025Afridi dedicated his award to his wife and son. “Early breakthroughs are crucial for small totals,” he said. “I worked on that delivery for Shamim Hossain, and it paid off.” He added, “We’re ready for the India final.” Captain Agha praised Afridi, Rauf, coach Mike Hesson, and fielding coach Shane McDermott, expressing excitement for the India clash.
Pakistan advance to the ACC Men's T20I Asia Cup 2025 final! 🤩#PAKvBAN | #AsiaCup2025 | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/pGXLYJXV6y
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 25, 2025Captain Jaker Ali lauded his bowlers but lamented batting failures. “We’ve lost the last two matches due to batting. The bowlers did well,” he said. Taskin and Mahedi shone, but the chase faltered.
Pakistan’s win marks their first Asia Cup final against India, a historic rivalry matchup. Afridi’s leadership and the team’s resilience under pressure set the stage for a thrilling final.
