Pakistan and Bangladesh face off in Asia Cup 2025
Both Pakistan and Bangladesh, having defeated Sri Lanka and lost to India, must fight for survival in Thursday’s do-or-die match in Dubai.
Unlike Bangladesh, who made several changes before facing India and are still unsure of their best XI, Pakistan look more settled. Their win over Sri Lanka hasn’t fully solved batting concerns, but they know there’s little room for experiments. The only real question is over Hussain Talat’s spot, with Hasan Nawaz and Khushdil Shah waiting on the bench.
Bangladesh will play their second match in as many days when they take on Pakistan. With Litton Das out injured, they’ve made several changes in search of their best XI.
Bangladesh’s bowlers impressed against India, giving away just 96 runs in the final 14 overs, while Saif Hassan scored his second straight fifty. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to step up in the chase. Their fielding was sharp too, but with experienced players like Taskin Ahmed and Mahedi Hasan left out against India, it remains to be seen if Bangladesh will again bench them in this must-win clash.
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After being outplayed by India in every clash so far, both Pakistan and Bangladesh now have the chance to set up a rematch with Suryakumar Yadav’s side in the final, and neither will want to miss that opportunity.
When, Where, What to expect
Thursday, September 25, 2025 - 6:30 PM (Local) / 8:00 PM (IST)
Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Dubai International Cricket Stadium
A tricky surface where scoring won’t be easy, with the ball gripping slightly, setting up a balanced contest between bat and ball.
A tricky surface where scoring won’t be easy, with the ball gripping slightly, setting up a balanced contest between bat and ball.
Pakistan Team Update: Despite their defeat to India, Pakistan are unlikely to make big changes. The main question is whether Saim Ayub will return to open the innings. Hussain Talat played a key role in the win over Sri Lanka, but Hasan Nawaz or Khushdil Shah could still find a place in the XI.
Bangladesh Team Update: Litton Das’s participation in the match is still uncertain.
Pakistan Probable XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat/Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmad
Bangladesh Probable XI: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali (c,wk), Mohammad Saifuddin, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Sakib, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman