Pakistan secured their place in the Asia Cup T20 final after a thrilling 11-run win over Bangladesh in the Super Four stage at the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Defending a modest target of 136 runs, Pakistan’s bowlers held their nerves, restricting Bangladesh to 124 for 9 in 20 overs.
Shaheen Afridi played a starring role with both bat and ball, earning the Player of the Match award for his game-changing performance.
Shaheen Afridi’s Match-Winning Bowling
Afridi delivered a brilliant spell of fast bowling, conceding only 17 runs in four overs while claiming three crucial wickets. His early strikes put Bangladesh under pressure and prevented them from building partnerships.
With this performance, Shaheen proved once again why he is considered one of the most dangerous bowlers in T20 cricket.
Afridi’s Batting Contribution
Not only did Shaheen shine with the ball, but he also made a valuable contribution with the bat. Coming in during the late overs, he smashed 19 runs off 13 balls, including two towering sixes, which pushed Pakistan’s total to a competitive score. Those quick runs turned out to be vital in the low-scoring contest.
Historic Achievement: Most Player of the Match Awards by a Fast Bowler
The game marked a major personal milestone for Afridi. This was his 10th Player of the Match award in T20 Internationals, making him the fast bowler with the most awards in this format. His consistency and impact in crunch situations underline his importance to Pakistan’s T20 setup.
Bangladesh’s Struggle in the Chase
Bangladesh fell short despite efforts from Shamim Hossain, who top-scored with 30 runs. Other contributors included Saif Hassan (18), Nurul Hasan (16), Mehidy Hasan (11), and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (10). However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to deliver under pressure.
Pakistan’s bowlers maintained tight lines, and Afridi’s early breakthroughs ensured Bangladesh never really got ahead of the required rate.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Pakistan booked their spot in the Asia Cup 2025 final, where they will face arch-rivals India in what promises to be a historic encounter. Shaheen Afridi’s form with both bat and ball will be crucial as Pakistan aims to lift the trophy for the third time in their history.
