Pakistan Sets Up Dream Asia Cup Final Against India After Tense Win
Pakistan has set the stage for the first-ever India-Pakistan Asia Cup final after clinching a tense and hard-fought 11-run victory over Bangladesh in a high-stakes encounter. In a low-scoring thriller dominated by the bowlers, Pakistan successfully defended a modest total of 135, holding their nerve to overcome a spirited but ultimately faltering Bangladesh side.
Bowlers Dominate in a High-Pressure Chase
The defining feature of the match was Pakistan's exceptional bowling performance under pressure. Spearheaded by the relentless Shaheen Shah Afridi, who struck twice in a masterful opening spell, Pakistan's attack never allowed the Bangladesh chase to settle. Afridi and Haris Rauf were the chief destroyers, each claiming three crucial wickets to dismantle the opposition's batting lineup.
The turning point in the middle overs came from an unlikely source. Saim Ayub, who had earlier been dismissed for a duck, was introduced into the attack and delivered a stunning double-strike, derailing any hopes of a Bangladesh recovery. Despite hitting more sixes than their opponents, Bangladesh's batters succumbed to the pressure of the occasion, repeatedly holing out to fielders in the deep as they struggled to adapt to the two-paced surface.
Pakistan's Batting Rescued from the Brink
Earlier, Pakistan's own innings was a story of collapse and recovery. Their top order was dismantled by a disciplined Bangladesh attack, led by Taskin Ahmed, who reached the milestone of 100 T20I wickets. At a disastrous 49 for 5 in the 11th over, Pakistan was staring at a sub-100 total.
It was a gritty rearguard action from Mohammad Haris (31 off 23 balls) and Mohammad Nawaz (25 off 15 balls) that resurrected the innings. Their counter-attacking partnership added vital runs in the final overs, dragging Pakistan to a total of 135 for 8. This late surge, which saw 80 runs scored in the last eight overs, ultimately provided their bowlers with just enough runs to defend.
Bangladesh Crumbles When It Matters Most
For Bangladesh, it was a story of missed opportunities. They were in a commanding position for much of the first innings but allowed Pakistan to escape. In the chase, only Shamim Hossain, who top-scored with 30, offered any prolonged resistance. The absence of their injured captain, Litton Das, was keenly felt as their batters failed to build the necessary partnerships to navigate the tricky run chase. Their inability to handle the pressure of the knockout game proved to be their downfall, bringing a disappointing end to their tournament campaign.
Highlights of a Historic Victory
Historic Final Set: Pakistan's 11-run victory over Bangladesh has set up the first-ever India vs. Pakistan final in the history of the Asia Cup.
Bowlers Win the Day: Pakistan successfully defended a low total of 135 thanks to a superb collective bowling effort, with Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf taking three wickets each.
Crucial Lower-Order Fightback: Pakistan recovered from a disastrous 49 for 5, with vital contributions from Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Nawaz pushing them to a competitive score.
Bangladesh Falter Under Pressure: Despite hitting more boundaries, Bangladesh's batting lineup collapsed, unable to build partnerships in the face of a mounting required run rate.
