Pakistan’s inconsistent performance meets Bangladesh’s rising confidence in the semi-final at the Asia Cup 2025. Pakistan have struggled to win consecutive matches in the tournament but bounced back after their defeat to India, securing a major win against Sri Lanka. Bangladesh, meanwhile, have shown steady improvement, emerging as a confident rival despite a loss to India on Wednesday.
Pakistan’s comeback against Sri Lanka
Pakistan’s batting comeback against Sri Lanka will give them confidence. Chasing 134, they slipped to 57 for 4 before Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz’s crucial partnerships secured them a victory.
Talat also picked up two key wickets, while Nawaz contributed with the bat despite not bowling in Pakistan’s last two matches.
Bangladesh look to bounce back
Bangladesh will want to put their loss to India behind them. They will rely on the momentum from earlier wins against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, and their home series win against Pakistan in July. Bowlers like Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman, and all-rounder Saif Hassan will play a key role in controlling the game. Taskin Ahmed and Litton Das are expected to return.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Head-to-Head Record (Asia Cup 2025)
- Matches Played: 15
- Pakistan Wins: 13
- Bangladesh Wins: 2
- First Fixture: September 2, 2007
- Most Recent: July 24, 2025
Pakistan have dominated the head-to-head record, but in T20 cricket, surprises are always possible.
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (C), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
Bangladesh: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (C)/Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali (WK), Mohammad Saifuddin, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
Pakistan might consider changes to include Hasan Nawaz or Khushdil Shah if Saim Ayub continues his poor form, having scored only 23 runs in five matches.
Key Players
- Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan): Despite going wicketless against India, Afridi dismissed Sri Lanka’s top order and contributes with the bat.
- Rishad Hossain (Bangladesh): Emerging as Bangladesh’s leading legspinner, Hossain has six wickets in four Asia Cup games.
- Hussain Talat & Mohammad Nawaz (Pakistan): Both stepped up with the bat against Sri Lanka.
Pitch and Weather Report
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium pitch remains slow and slightly challenging for batting first. Captains winning the toss might prefer to bowl first, especially when the ball could swing. The average first-innings score in the 2025 Asia Cup at Dubai has been around 144, as per ESPNcricinfo.
According to the weather report, there are no chances of rain during the Pakistan vs Bangladesh game in Dubai on Thursday. However, the conditions might be warm and humid, which could be a little challenging for players.
Match Details
- Match: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Super Four, Match 5, Asia Cup 2025
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
- Date & Time: Thursday, September 25, 8 PM IST
- Live Broadcast & Streaming: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV, FanCode, YuppTV