All-rounder Shaheen Afridi ensures first-ever India vs Pakistan final at Asia Cup, Bangladesh succumb to 11-run loss

It will mark the first time in 41 years that India and Pakistan will play in the Asia Cup final.

It is official. India vs Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday for the Asia Cup 2025 title. Pakistan made it to the summit clash following their 11-run win over Bangladesh on Thursday. Shaheen Afridi starred with both bat and ball to get the Men in Green over the line. It will mark the first time the Asia Cup final is a IND vs PAK game.

Shaheen Afridi rescue act powers Pakistan to Asia Cup final

Pakistan simply failed to turn as Bangladesh ran them ragged in the first 10 overs. Their top order struggled as Rishad Hossain ensured Pakistan slipped to 46/4 at the halfway stage. In an inspired move, Shaheen Afridi was promoted to No.7 to try and inject some momentum into the innings.

Afridi did just that. After valuable cameos against UAE and India, the left-hander ensured the same against Bangladesh. He hit two sizes to push the run rate ahead. While Afridi was lucky with two dropped catches, his 13-ball 19 added much needed impetus to the Pakistan innings.

Shaheen had not lit the tournament alight with ball in hand. He however chose to do that in Pakistan’s biggest game. The 25-year-old dismissed Parvez Emon in the first over and then accounted for Towhrid Hridoy inside the powerplay. Afridi was miserly and extracted movement, making it difficult for the Bangladesh batsmen. Later in the game, he returned to dismiss the we’ll set Shamim Hossain to pull curtains on Bangladesh’s chase. Afridi finished with figures of 3/17, single handedly sealing a Pakistan win.

First ever India vs Pakistan final

For the first time in Asia Cup history, India will face off against Pakistan in the summit clash. An IND vs PAK final has never happened in the 41-year tournament, marking it a rare occasion. The Men in Blue have already defeated Pakistan twice and hold a dominant record over their arch-rivals. Pakistan have never won the T20 version of the Asia Cup, and will look to inflict misery on their neighbours.