For the first time in 41 years, India and Pakistan will face each other in an Asia Cup Final. While the men in blue were the first to qualify, their arch-rivals made it on Thursday night. Despite a horrendous performance Salman Ali Agha and his men stunned Bangladesh with a 20-run win.
Pakistan’s rusty batting hinted at Bangladesh acing the crucial Super 4 encounter while a run-out comedy in the second innings almost made it look real. But Bangladesh panicked and Pakistan made the most of the situation.
The game went down the wire with 18 needed in the final 3 deliveries. Three sixes and Bangladesh would have pulled off a famous heist. But tailender Rishad Hossain managed one maximum only. Pakistan won the contest by 11, scheduling rematch with India.
The arch-rivals will face for the third time in the ongoing continental championship.
India in finals: Asia Cup History
| Edition | Opponent | Result |
| 1984 | Sri Lanka | Via Round-robin format |
| 1988 | Sri Lanka | India won by 6 wickets |
| 1990-91 | Sri Lanka | India won by 7 wickets |
| 1995 | Sri Lanka | India won by 8 wickets |
| 1997 | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets |
| 2004 | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won by 25 runs |
| 2008 | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won by 100 runs |
| 2010 | Sri Lanka | India won by 81 runs |
| 2016 | Bangladesh | India won by 8 wickets |
| 2018 | Bangladesh | India won by 3 wickets |
| 2023 | Sri Lanka | India won by 10 wickets |
Pakistan, batting first, posted a modest 135 for eight in 20 overs on a tacky surface. Despite the low total, their bowlers rose to the occasion. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf produced fiery spells, each bagging three wickets, while Saim Ayub chipped in with two crucial scalps for just 16 runs in his four overs. Their collective effort proved too good for Jaker Ali’s Bangladesh, who fell short by 11 runs in what was a must-win game for both sides.
India had already booked their place in the summit clash a day earlier, on September 24, after defeating Bangladesh by 41 runs. Under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, India have been the most dominant side in the tournament, going unbeaten so far, including two wins against arch-rivals Pakistan in the group stage and Super 4s.
(With Agency Inputs)
