All eyes were on this thrilling 'virtual semi-final' match being played between Pakistan and Bangladesh. This match was crucial for both teams as the winning team would directly secure a spot in the final.
Sports News: In a crucial encounter played on Thursday during the Super-4 stage of Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 11 runs to book their place in the final. This match, held at the Dubai International Stadium, was dubbed a 'virtual semi-final' as the victorious team would directly advance to the final. With Pakistan's win, cricket fans now eagerly await the grand showdown between India and Pakistan, which will be played in the final on September 28.
Pakistan's Struggle While Batting First
Bangladesh's captain won the toss and elected to bowl first. Pakistan's innings did not start as expected. The top-order batsmen fell at regular intervals. However, Mohammad Haris played a crucial innings of 31 runs, the highest for the team, and steadied the ship. Among other batsmen, Saim Ayub added 21 runs, captain Babar Azam 19 runs, and Mohammad Nawaz 15 runs.
Bangladesh's bowlers maintained precise line and length, denying Pakistan's batsmen the freedom to score freely. Throughout their innings, Pakistan managed to score only 135 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs.
Bangladesh's fast bowler Taskin Ahmed was the most successful, taking 3 wickets for just 24 runs in 4 overs. Spinners Mahedi Hasan and Rishad Hossain claimed 2 wickets each, while Mustafizur Rahman picked up one wicket. Bangladesh's bowling attack prevented Pakistan from reaching a large total, limiting the target to 136 runs.
Pakistan's Lethal Bowling Turns the Match Around
Chasing the target, Bangladesh's team also had a poor start. Pakistan's fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered early blows. Haris Rauf then dismantled the middle order. Both bowlers bowled lethally, taking three wickets each. Meanwhile, Saim Ayub took 2 wickets and Mohammad Nawaz claimed 1.
For Bangladesh, Najmul Hossain Shanto (28 runs) and Litton Das (25 runs) made some efforts, but other batsmen could not withstand Pakistan's bowlers. Due to increasing pressure in the final overs, Bangladesh's team could only manage 124 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 overs, losing by 11 runs. For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/25) and Haris Rauf (3/27) were the most successful bowlers. Both completely rattled Bangladesh's batting lineup with their sharp bowling. Besides them, Saim Ayub took 2 wickets and Nawaz claimed 1.
