It was a basic case of the event getting the higher of Bangladesh because it fluffed a 136-run chase on the Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium on Thursday, organising the first-ever Asia Cup ultimate between archrivals India and Pakistan.
With 39 runs wanted off 20 balls, Bangladesh’s hopes had been driving on Shamim Hossain. However when the left-hander reverse-scooped a back-of-the-hand slower supply from Shaheen Shah Afridi behind level, the Tigers’ problem was all however over.
Afridi was hostile within the PowerPlay and accounted for Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy. Haris Rauf, bowling with searing tempo, drew a deadly vanguard to take away key batter, Saif Hassan, and Bangladesh performed catch-up since.
Bangladesh’s brittle middle-order was tentative in opposition to the spinners, with the batters moving into place too early, and Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub cashed in by choosing three wickets between them.
Earlier, Pakistan’s decrease order was left to select up the items. The 38-run seventh-wicket stand between Mohammad Haris and Nawaz was the largest of the innings, whereas Afridi’s 13-ball 19 was probably the most entertaining knock.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s 19 runs off 13 balls had been essential in Pakistan placing up a combating whole.
| Photograph Credit score:
ANI
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s 19 runs off 13 balls had been essential in Pakistan placing up a combating whole.
| Photograph Credit score:
ANI
Promoted to No. 7, Afridi flirted with hazard earlier than breaking free with two humongous sixes on the leg aspect. After being dropped twice, it took wicketkeeper Jaker Ali’s spirited dash to midwicket to place an finish to Afridi’s adventurism.
Rishad Hossain was throughout Pakistan like a rash and was concerned in the entire first 4 wickets it misplaced. He caught Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman at backward level and long-off, respectively, earlier than dismissing Saim and Hussain Talat.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha was assured in opposition to the spinners, however a cutter from left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman was his undoing, leaving Pakistan reeling at 49 for 5. From there, Agha’s males turned issues round to clinch an 11-run win.
Scores
Pakistan 135/8 in 20 overs (Mohammad Haris 31, Mohammad Nawaz 25, Taskin Ahmed 3/28) beat Bangladesh 124/9 in 20 overs (Shamim Hossain 30, Shaheen Shah Afridi 3/17, Haris Rauf 3/33). Toss: Bangladesh.
Printed on Sep 26, 2025