Lahore, pakistan – Pakistan secured their place in the Asia Cup final, defeating Bangladesh in a tense Super Four clash on Wednesday. The victory sets up a highly anticipated showdown with unbeaten India on Sunday.
After winning the toss, Bangladesh restricted Pakistan to a modest 135-8.Taskin Ahmed claimed 3-28, while Mahedi Hasan took 2-28, causing early damage and reducing Pakistan to 5-2 within the first 10 balls. the Pakistani batting lineup continued to struggle, finding themselves at 49-5 in the 11th over.
Mohammad Haris provided crucial resistance, top-scoring with 31 off 23 balls, and formed partnerships with Shaheen Shah Afridi (19) and Mohammad Nawaz (25). However, Ahmed and Hasan returned to dismiss the key batsmen, preventing a late surge.
Bangladesh’s chase faltered early, losing three wickets in the powerplay and later slipping to 44-4. Shamim Hossain’s 30 off 25 balls offered a glimmer of hope, but his dismissal by Shaheen Afridi (3-17) in the 17th over proved decisive. Haris Rauf then quickly took two wickets in three balls, and despite late boundaries from Rishad Hossain, Bangladesh fell short of the target.
This defeat means Bangladesh, still searching for their first men’s Asia Cup title, have been eliminated from the Super Four stage alongside Sri lanka. Sri lanka will face India in their final group match on Friday.
