Dubai, September 25, 2025: Pakistan and Bangladesh will battle it out today (Thursday) in what has effectively become a virtual semi-final of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, with the winner set to meet India in the tournament’s grand finale on Sunday.
The crucial Super Four clash will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both Pakistan and Bangladesh head into the encounter with identical records — victories against Sri Lanka but defeats to India — making today’s result decisive in determining the second finalist.
India, having already secured their place in the final, will play their last Super Four match against the eliminated Sri Lankan side on Friday. If Pakistan advance, the final will mark the third meeting between the arch-rivals in this edition of the Asia Cup, with India having won the previous two encounters. Interestingly, despite several finals appearances, Pakistan and India have never faced each other in an Asia Cup final.
Pakistan received a timely boost as opener Fakhar Zaman was cleared to play after suffering a nasty blow to the helmet in the last game against Sri Lanka. The left-hander was struck by a sharp bouncer from pacer Dushmantha Chameera, which crashed into his helmet after evading his bat and gloves.
Following the International Cricket Council’s concussion protocol, team physio rushed onto the field for an immediate assessment. Although Fakhar looked dazed at first, he managed to continue his innings after brief medical attention. Team management has since confirmed his fitness for the Bangladesh clash.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, pacer Shaheen Afridi emphasized the team’s focus and mindset ahead of the must-win contest.
“Bangladesh is a good team and has been playing quite well recently. Whenever we play against such sides, it’s important to deliver the first punch and not allow them any opportunity,” Shaheen said.
He added that Pakistan would need to remain consistent and competitive across all three phases of the game. “Yes, we have to play good cricket at every stage. After that, there’s the next game. But right now, our full focus is on Bangladesh and how to approach this challenge.”
