Dubai: Pakistan’s 135/8 against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup 2025 has gone down in history as one of the lowest totals successfully defended in T20 cricket. The thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium saw Pakistan hold their nerves to restrict Bangladesh and secure a remarkable win in a tense do-or-die Super Fours clash.
The 135-run target is now the lowest ever defended in Dubai in T20Is between two full-member nations. Pakistan’s bowlers produced a disciplined performance under pressure, ensuring that Bangladesh could not chase down the modest total.
In the broader context of T20 Asia Cup history, some of the lowest totals successfully defended include 129/8 by Sri Lanka against UAE at Mirpur in 2016, 133/8 by Bangladesh against UAE at Mirpur in 2016, 146/9 by Pakistan against UAE in Dubai 2025, and 147/7 by Bangladesh versus Sri Lanka at Mirpur in 2016. These instances underscore the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where even modest scores can be defended with accurate bowling and sharp fielding.
For Pakistan specifically, their record of defending low totals in T20Is has been impressive.
Prior examples include 122/6 against Sri Lanka in Hambantota in 2012, 132 against West Indies in Port of Spain in 2017, 134/8 versus New Zealand in Christchurch in 2024, 135/7 against Bangladesh at Mirpur in 2011, and now 135/8 against Bangladesh in Dubai in 2025.
This shows Pakistan’s consistent ability to rise to the occasion and defend under challenging circumstances.
The victory not only highlighted Pakistan’s bowling resilience but also reinforced their strategic approach in high-pressure matches, adding another memorable chapter to their T20I records and boosting their confidence ahead of the Asia Cup final.
