Pakistan has secured their spot in the Asia Cup final against arch-rivals India following a narrow 11-run victory over Bangladesh in Dubai. This highly anticipated showdown marks the first-ever final encounter between these cricketing giants in the tournament’s history.
This triumph is Pakistan’s second win in the Super Four stage, paving the way for their third meeting with India in this tournament. Previous matches between these teams were notable for their intensity, including instances where players famously declined to shake hands.
“We are incredibly excited,” stated Pakistan captain Salman Agha. “We are fully aware of what needs to be done, and we possess the strength to overcome any opponent. We will give our best on Sunday to secure a victory.”
Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Bangladesh successfully restricted Pakistan to 135-8 in their allotted 20 overs. Spearheading the bowling attack, Taskin Ahmed impressed with figures of 3-28, ably supported by spinners Rishad Hossain and Mahedi Hasan, who each took two wickets.
Pakistan’s batsmen faced considerable challenges on the slow and sticky Dubai pitch, losing early wickets. Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for just four runs, and Saim Ayub recorded his fourth duck of the tournament. Fakhar Zaman contributed 13 runs, while Captain Salman Agha added 19 to the scoreboard.
A vital seventh-wicket partnership of 38 runs between Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Nawaz helped Pakistan stabilize their innings. Haris scored a quickfire 31, including two boundaries and a six, while Nawaz blasted 25 off only 15 balls, featuring two sixes and a boundary.
In their chase, Bangladesh could only muster 124-9 in their 20 overs. Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-17) and Haris Rauf (3-33), proved highly effective. For Bangladesh, Shamim Hossain was the top scorer with 30 runs off 25 balls, and Saif Hassan added 18.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, despite being dropped twice by Bangladeshi fielders, made a crucial cameo with the bat, scoring 19 runs off 13 balls, which included two sixes. He was deservedly named Player of the Match.
India vs Pakistan in Tournament Finals (featuring 5+ teams)
- Played: 5
- India won: 2
- Pakistan won: 3
Historically, India and Pakistan have clashed in five limited-overs tournament finals involving more than five teams. India’s victories came in the 1985 Benson & Hedges World Championship of Cricket and the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. Pakistan, however, holds the edge, having won three of these encounters, including the Austral-Asia Cup in 1986 and 1994, and most recently, the Champions Trophy in 2017.
| Year | Tournament | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Benson & Hedges World Championship of Cricket | Melbourne Cricket Ground | India beat Pakistan by 8 wickets |
| 1986 | Austral-Asia Cup | Sharjah | Pakistan beat India by 1 wicket |
| 1994 | Austral-Asia Cup | Sharjah | Pakistan beat India by 39 runs |
| 2007 | T20 World Cup | Johannesburg | India beat Pakistan by 5 runs |
| 2017 | Champions Trophy | The Oval | Pakistan beat India by 180 runs |