In a last-over thriller, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 11 runs in the decisive Super Four match to qualify for the Asia Cup 2025 final, where they will face India on Sunday. Shaheen Shah Afridi was the hero for Pakistan, claiming three wickets and contributing a crucial 19 off 13 balls.
Chasing a target of 136, Bangladesh struggled from the outset. Haris Rauf and Shaheen were lethal with the new ball, removing the top three Bangladeshi batters within the powerplay. Bangladesh never recovered from the early setbacks and continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.
Shamim Hossain was the top scorer for Bangladesh, making 30 off 25 balls before also falling to Shaheen. Saim Ayub once again impressed with the ball, the off-spinner taking two wickets. Shaheen finished with figures of 3/17 from his four overs, at an economy rate of 4.20. Rauf also claimed three wickets.
Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bowl. Pakistan had a poor start, losing two wickets in the first two overs. Until the 16th over of their innings, their run rate remained below six. However, they added 33 runs in the final three overs to post a respectable total of 135/8 from their 20 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris top-scored with 31, while Mohammad Nawaz contributed 25 runs along with one wicket. For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed took three wickets. Shaheen was named Player of the Match.
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