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Pakistan searching for a partnership in crucial Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against Bangladesh | The Express Tribune
Pakistan batters struggle against Bangladesh bowlers as they stand 47 for four at the end of 10 overs against Bangladesh in the must-win Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday evening.
The Greenshirts desparately looked for a sound partnership as they were devastated by incredible spells of leg spinner Rishad Hossain, claiming crucial wickets of Fakhar Zaman and Hussain Talat in the fixture that is touted as a ‘virtual semifinal’.
Pakistan are looking in bad shape against Bangladesh in the first five overs as well.
The Men in Green lost two quick wickets. Sahibzada Farhan said au revoir after facing four balls, on pacer Taskin Ahmed’s ball, caught by Rishad Hossain.
Meanwhile, Saim Ayub showed his ineffectiveness when he chose a poor shot and left the field on a duck on spinner Mahedi Hasan’s ball, against Hossain coming in handy with another catch, as Pakistan struggled at 5/2 in 1.4 overs.
Pakistani spin legend Mushtaq Ahmed looked proud as he is their bowling coach.
Skipper Salman Ali Agha has come to the rescue, aiming to play the captain’s innings.
On the positive side, Pakistan have all-rounders deep in their batting order to help the situation.
Bangladesh opted to bowl first as they face Pakistan
Bangladesh won the toss and they are putting Pakistan to bat first on a pitch that is touted to favour the seamers.
Pakistan are the weakest side among the major teams in Asia Cup 2025 when it comes to facing spinners,while Bangladesh is not great against pace attack.
The match is a virtual semifinal for the invigorated Pakistan, who defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets on September 23 and now aim to book their place in the final.
Meanwhile, a young Bangladesh team is coming into this match on the back of a defeat by India on Wednesday, September 24.
In that game, India defeated the young team by 41 runs.
Bangladesh is not even playing with their regular captain Litton Das, and have wicketkeeper Jaker Ali to fill his shoes. Ali is leading the team for the second time ever, compared to Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha, who will have an edge with more experience.
They have made three changes, looking for batting depth.
This is the last Super Four match for both Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The top two teams from the Super Four stage will play the final.
Bangladesh were victorious in two of their last three T20Is against Pakistan, which included a home series win earlier this year.
Bangladesh XI: Saif Hassan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali (capt & wk), Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (capt), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
What’s at stake for Pakistan?
If Pakistan wins their match against Bangladesh, they will set up the first-ever India vs Pakistan Asia Cup final.
The controversy of the handshake with India in their group match is still making rounds due to the hawkish political atmosphere between the two neighbouring countries.
Former captain Younis Khan feels there is an opportunity for the team to prove a point, and that is by winning.
“Pakistan was not up to the mark in the two matches, but a final against India will pump our players because it will be a title-deciding match,” Younis told the media.
“Win the final and then offer a handshake to Indian players.”