The Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours reaches its most crucial clash as Pakistan face Bangladesh in a virtual knockout at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, September 25. The game starts at 8:00 PM IST and the equation is simple – the winner marches into the final against India, the loser exits the tournament.
Pakistan: Searching for Consistency
Pakistan’s campaign has been a mixed bag so far. A heavy defeat to India was followed by a gritty five-wicket win over Sri Lanka. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s three-wicket burst set the tone with the ball against the Lankans, restricting them to 133/8.
But the real story was the batting recovery. From 57 for four, Mohammad Nawaz (38 off 24) and Hussain Talat (32 off 30)** carried Pakistan home with calm assurance, sealing victory with two overs to spare.
Captain Salman Agha will hope his side can stitch back-to-back wins for the first time in this Asia Cup. However, concerns remain around Saim Ayub’s poor form, who has scored just 23 runs in five innings.
Bangladesh: Hungry and Fearless
For Bangladesh, the tournament has been about resilience. They shocked Sri Lanka earlier with a spirited 4-wicket win but were halted by India in their last outing. Saif Hassan’s 69 off 51 balls was the lone highlight in a failed chase of 169.
The Tigers will take confidence from their recent T20I series win over Pakistan (2-1 in July). With Litton Das and Taskin Ahmed likely to return, Bangladesh’s batting stability and bowling firepower will get a timely boost. Add the form of Rishad Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman, and Bangladesh look capable of springing another surprise.
Head-to-Head: Pakistan Dominate, But Tigers Have Recent Edge
Pakistan and Bangladesh have clashed 25 times in T20Is. Pakistan lead comfortably with 20 wins, while Bangladesh have managed 5 victories. Yet, Bangladesh’s home series win earlier this year proves they cannot be taken lightly.
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan: Saim Ayub/Hasan Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
Bangladesh: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (c & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nasum Ahmed/Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.
Dubai Pitch & Conditions
The Dubai International Stadium pitch is traditionally slow. Pacers may find some early swing, but as the innings progresses, cutters and slower balls become effective. Spinners tend to get grip in the middle overs, while batting becomes easier under lights. With the sluggish outfield, maximizing the powerplay is key. Expect the toss-winning captain to bowl first.
Top Performers in PAK vs BAN T20Is (Current Squads)
Leading Run-Scorers
- Litton Das (BAN): 227 runs in 11 innings – Bangladesh’s most reliable batter against Pakistan, strike rate 125.41.
- Mohammad Haris (PAK): 219 runs in 7 innings – Explosive at 175.20 SR, including a century.
- Hasan Nawaz (PAK): 154 runs in 6 innings – Rising star with power-hitting ability.
Leading Wicket-Takers
- Taskin Ahmed (BAN): 14 wickets in 11 matches – Consistent threat with pace and bounce.
- Hasan Ali (PAK): 11 wickets in 4 matches – A proven performer, though unlikely to feature in this XI.
- Mustafizur Rahman (BAN): 9 wickets in 9 matches – His cutters remain a big challenge for batters.
Key Stats – Pakistan in Dubai
- Played 36 T20Is: Won 19, Lost 16, Tied 1.
- Fakhar Zaman – 274 runs in 14 matches, 2 fifties.
- Sahibzada Farhan – 156 runs in Asia Cup 2025, SR 107.58.
- Shaheen Afridi – 6 wickets in 5 matches, economy 7.54.
- Saim Ayub – Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in this Asia Cup (6 wickets).
Head-to-head battles:
- Shaheen Afridi vs Saif Hassan – 1 ball, 0 runs, 1 dismissal.
- Abrar Ahmed vs Towhid Hridoy – 23 balls, 28 runs, 1 dismissal.
Key Stats – Bangladesh in Dubai
- Played 6 T20Is: Won 3, Lost 3.
- Saif Hassan – 130 runs in 2 T20Is at this venue, 2 fifties.
- Towhid Hridoy – 65 runs in 2 T20Is at 138.29 SR.
- Litton Das – 61 runs in 4 matches at 135.55 SR.
- Mustafizur Rahman – 8 wickets in Asia Cup 2025, economy 7.26.
- Mahedi Hasan – 4 wickets in 3 games, economy 6.83.
Key battles:
- Taskin Ahmed vs Fakhar Zaman – 27 balls, 41 runs, 1 dismissal.
- Mahedi Hasan vs Salman Agha – 16 balls, 30 runs, 1 dismissal.
- Shoriful Islam vs Sahibzada Farhan – 11 balls, 15 runs, no dismissal.
Records on the Line in Dubai Clash
- Salman Agha needs 5 fours to complete 50 T20I boundaries.
- Mohammad Haris is 3 fours away from 50 T20I boundaries.
- Faheem Ashraf needs 1 wicket to reach 50 T20I wickets.
- Litton Das requires 2 fours to complete 250 boundaries in T20Is.
- Nurul Hasan needs 21 runs to complete 500 T20I runs.
- Taskin Ahmed is 1 wicket away from 100 T20I wickets.
- Mohammad Saifuddin needs 3 wickets to complete 50 T20I wickets.
The Stakes
It’s as simple as it gets: winner plays India in the Asia Cup 2025 final, loser goes home. Pakistan have history on their side, Bangladesh have hunger and momentum from recent battles. On Thursday night in Dubai, one team’s dream will end – and the other’s will live on for a shot at silverware.
