The Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage culminates in a dramatic virtual semifinal as cricketing rivals Pakistan and Bangladesh prepare for a fierce contest at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With India having already booked their place, all eyes are on this crucial match to determine who will earn the right to challenge the tournament favorites in the final.
Pakistan enters this critical encounter with a slight advantage in momentum, having comfortably defeated Sri Lanka earlier in the Super Four, despite a subsequent loss to India. Captain Salman Agha has consistently emphasized the importance of team stability, indicating that significant changes are unlikely. While one or two batting positions, currently involving Hussain Talat, Hasan Nawaz, and Khushdil Shah, remain under discussion, the core team is expected to remain intact. Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack, spearheaded by the pace of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, has proven threatening, with Abrar Ahmed serving as a reliable spin option during crucial moments. The Dubai pitch, known for offering a balanced contest between bat and ball and not yielding runs freely, is expected to favor disciplined bowling. Fakhar Zaman’s power-hitting at the top of the order could face a stern test if Bangladesh’s spinners find early grip. Pakistan may also consider bringing back Saim Ayub to strengthen the top order.
In contrast, Bangladesh arrives with less certainty, having struggled to find their optimal playing XI after making numerous changes against India. Their persistent batting frailties continue to be a major concern, with Saif Hassan emerging as the sole beacon of consistency with consecutive half-centuries. The absence of adequate support from the rest of the batting lineup has hampered their chases, despite commendable bowling efforts that restricted India to a modest total in the final overs of their previous game. The injury to key player Litton Das further complicates their team composition, with stand-in captain Jaker Ali confirming a last-minute decision on his inclusion. Tanzid Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon are under pressure to provide a solid start, and Towhid Hridoy and Shamim Hossain need to step up in the middle order. The team management must decide whether to reinstate experienced players like Taskin Ahmed and Mahedi Hasan to bolster their ranks.
Against Pakistan’s potent bowling attack, Bangladesh’s top-order resilience will be paramount. With political undertones often accompanying matches between these cricketing nations, and the high stakes of a final berth on the line, Thursday’s game is poised to be a thrilling test of resilience, strategic acumen, and mental fortitude. Both teams understand that a victory not only guarantees a spot in the final but also presents another golden opportunity to challenge Suryakumar Yadav’s formidable Indian side.
Here are the full squads for both teams:
Bangladesh Squad: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali (w/c), Mohammad Saifuddin, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Litton Das, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nurul Hasan
Pakistan Squad: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (w), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza, Sufiyan Muqeem, Khushdil Shah, Hasan Nawaz