Defending a modest 135/8, Pakistan’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages to restrict Bangladesh to 124/9 in 20 overs.
Batting first, Pakistan struggled early, losing both openers cheaply and slipping to 33/4. Captain Salman Agha (19) and Hussain Talat (3) failed to stabilize the innings, but Mohammad Haris’s aggressive 31 off 23 balls and Mohammad Nawaz’s quickfire 25 off 15 gave the innings late impetus.
Taskin Ahmed (3/28) and Rishad Hossain (2/18) bowled with discipline, ensuring Pakistan couldn’t run away with the game.
Chasing 136, Bangladesh’s top order faltered yet again as Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/17) ripped through the early lineup, dismissing Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy.
Despite a fighting knock of 30 from Shamim Hossain and a late flourish from Rishad Hossain (16*), the required momentum never came. Haris Rauf (3/33) and Saim Ayub (2/16) supported Shaheen superbly to close out the game.
With this win, Pakistan booked their spot in the Asia Cup final, setting up a high-voltage clash with India. Fans can expect another chapter of the iconic rivalry as the two teams face off for continental glory.
