The battle for a spot in the Asia Cup 2025 final heats up as Pakistan take on Bangladesh in a do-or-die clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Both teams are eyeing the coveted spot alongside India in the grand finale, and this encounter promises fireworks.
Match Details
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Tournament: Asia Cup 2025
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Match: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Super Four – Match 5
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Date: September 25, 2025 (Thursday)
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Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
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Time: 8:00 PM IST | 7:30 PM PST | 8:30 PM BST
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TV Broadcast: Sony Sports Network (India), PTV Sports (Pakistan), Gazi TV (Bangladesh)
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Digital Streaming: Sony LIV, FanCode (India), Tamasha (Pakistan), Rabbithole (Bangladesh)
Team Overviews
Pakistan
After a heavy defeat to arch-rivals India earlier in the Super Four stage, Pakistan bounced back strongly against Sri Lanka, winning comfortably in Abu Dhabi. The win has reignited their campaign, and the Men in Green will now enter the contest with renewed confidence. Their batting, however, remains inconsistent, with only Sahibzada Farhan showing notable form. Bowling continues to be Pakistan’s strength, with Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi spearheading the attack effectively.
Key Strengths: Pace attack, depth in all-rounders.
Concerns: Inconsistent batting, over-dependence on top order.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh, on the other hand, have struggled to find rhythm in the Super Four stage. While they edged past India in the group stage, their batting collapses have cost them dearly. Skipper Litton Das has lacked big scores, and Bangladesh’s middle order, though promising with Towhid Hridoy, has failed to capitalize in crunch moments. Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed, however, remain threats with the ball.
Key Strengths: Bowling in middle overs, disciplined seamers.
Concerns: Fragile batting order, pressure in high-stakes games.
Head-to-Head Record
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Total T20Is Played: 25
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Pakistan Wins: 20
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Bangladesh Wins: 5
Bangladesh may have clinched the last bilateral T20I series between the sides, but historically, Pakistan have been a dominant force in this rivalry.
Key Players to Watch
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Pakistan:
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Sahibzada Farhan – In red-hot form with 156 runs in the tournament.
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Haris Rauf – 2 wickets in each of his last three matches, providing breakthroughs at crucial moments.
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Bangladesh:
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Towhid Hridoy – The most reliable batter in the middle order.
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Mustafizur Rahman – His variations will be key in restricting Pakistan’s scoring.
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Pitch & Weather Report
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Pitch: The Dubai surface has aided teams bowling first. There is swing and nip under lights, making chasing sides more comfortable. Spinners too have enjoyed grip as the match progresses. Par score: 170+.
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Weather: Hot and humid evening with temperatures around 33°C, humidity at 60–65%, and moderate winds at 16 km/h. No chances of rain.
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan (Probable XI):
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Saim Ayub
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Sahibzada Farhan
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Fakhar Zaman
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Salman Ali Agha (c)
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Hussain Talat
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Mohammad Haris (wk)
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Mohammad Nawaz
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Faheem Ashraf
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Shaheen Afridi
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Haris Rauf
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Abrar Ahmed
Bangladesh (Probable XI):
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Litton Das (c & wk)
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Soumya Hassan
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Tanzid Hasan
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Towhid Hridoy
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Shamim Hossain
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Mehidy Hasan
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Jaker Ali
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Nasum Ahmed
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Shoriful Islam
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Taskin Ahmed
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Mustafizur Rahman
Probable Match Scenarios
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If Pakistan bowl first, their pace attack could trouble Bangladesh’s shaky top order under lights.
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If Bangladesh manage to bat first and post above 170, their spinners could make it a tricky chase for Pakistan.
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The toss is expected to play a decisive role – chasing teams have held the edge in Dubai evening games.
Prediction
Both teams are under immense pressure with a spot in the final at stake. Bangladesh will rely heavily on Mustafizur and Towhid Hridoy, but their poor head-to-head record against Pakistan is a major concern. Pakistan’s bowling attack looks more balanced, and their recent win against Sri Lanka should give them confidence.
👉 Prediction: Pakistan to win – provided they stick to their bowling strengths and avoid a batting collapse.
