Dubai : India and
Pakistan will face off in an Asia Cup final for the first time ever, setting up a blockbuster showdown on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium.
Pakistan booked their place in the title clash with a hard-fought 11-run win over Bangladesh on Friday in what was effectively a virtual semifinal. Chasing 136 for victory, Bangladesh were pegged back by regular wickets and eventually finished at 124 for 9.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Shamim Hossain provided resistance with a fighting 30 off 25 balls, but once he was dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi — attempting a reverse hit in the 17th over — the game was all but over. Afridi starred with the ball, taking 3/17 to go with his earlier cameo of 19 off 13 balls after being promoted up the order. Haris Rauf, too, claimed three wickets.
Earlier, Pakistan battled their way to a competitive 135 for 8 after being put in to bat. Bangladesh’s bowlers came out firing, striking early to dismantle Pakistan’s top-order. The inform Sahibzada Farhan and the struggling Saim Ayub fell in quick succession, leaving Pakistan under pressure.
Taskin Ahmed struck with the fourth ball of the match, forcing Farhan into an uppish drive taken by Rishad Hossain at backward point. Ayub soon followed, falling for his fifth duck in seven matches. Fakhar Zaman scratched around before being dismissed, while Hussain Talat also failed to make an impact.
Scores: Pakistan 135/8 beat
Bangladesh 124/9 by 11 runs.
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