Dubai: Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf starred as Pakistan stormed into the Asia Cup final with an 11-run victory over Bangladesh in a do-or-die Super Fours clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Pakistan will face India in the Asia Cup final for the first time in 17 editions on September 28.
The previous lowest T20I score that Pakistan successfully defended against Bangladesh was 135, and they repeated the feat in a virtual semifinal.
Afridi set the tone with early breakthroughs, removing Parvez Hossain Emon for a duck in the first over and following it up with wickets of Towhid Hridoy (5) and Saif Hassan (18) during the powerplay. His clever use of slower deliveries and toe-end variations also accounted for Shamim Hossain (30), while Rauf struck to dismiss Tanzim Hasan Sakib (10), keeping Bangladesh under relentless pressure.
Afridi’s impact extended beyond bowling, as he contributed valuable runs with attacking intent, including towering sixes off Mahedi Hasan (6) and a flat-batted four off Tanzim Hasan Sakib, showcasing his ability to influence the game with the bat despite being primarily a bowler.
Rauf complemented Afridi’s early strikes with a fiery spell at the death, removing Taskin Ahmed (4) and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (10). Despite conceding a couple of boundaries to Rishad Hossain, Rauf’s crucial slower-ball off-cutters kept Bangladesh in check. His brilliance was highlighted when Rishad hit a four and a six in the 19th over, briefly keeping Bangladesh’s hopes alive.
Pakistan’s innings of 135 for 8 in 20 overs was bolstered by counterattacks from Mohammad Haris (31 off 23 balls) and Mohammad Nawaz (25 off 15 balls). Haris struck two fours and a six, including a scoop over long-on, before being caught by Mahedi Hasan.
Nawaz’s breezy cameo featured two sixes and a four before he fell to a sharp catch by Parvez Hossain Emon at covers. Faheem Ashraf (14 not out) and Rauf (3 not out) ensured Pakistan crossed the 130-mark, with Ashraf hitting a boundary over short third man in the final overs.
Bangladesh began well, with Taskin Ahmed striking early, but wickets fell at regular intervals due to disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. Parvez Hossain Emon’s catch to dismiss Nawaz and Mahedi Hasan’s reflex grab off his own bowling were among the highlights, though a few missed chances allowed Afridi and the lower order to add valuable runs.
In reply, Bangladesh struggled to maintain momentum, finishing at 124 for 9 in 20 overs. Rishad Hossain’s late flourish, including a four and a six off Rauf, was insufficient.
Shamim Hossain (30) and Rishad Hossain (16 not out) offered some resistance, but timely strikes from Afridi and Rauf derailed the chase. Taskin Ahmed (3/28), Mahedi Hasan (2/28), and Mustafizur Rahman (1/33) were among the notable bowlers for Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s 11-run triumph sets up a high-stakes final against India in Dubai on September 28, with Afridi and Rauf likely to play pivotal roles once again.
