Match overview: India clinches final berth
On September 24, 2025, the Dubai Cricket Stadium witnessed a decisive Super 4 clash that propelled India straight into the Asia Cup 2025 final. Chasing a modest target, Bangladesh were bundled out for 127, handing India a 41‑run margin. The win not only secured India's place in the showdown but also sent shockwaves through the tournament by knocking Sri Lanka out of contention despite their strong league‑phase showing.
India’s innings started cautiously but quickly gained momentum when opener Abhishek Sharma unleashed a blistering 75 off 44 balls. His aggressive strokeplay laid the foundation for a total of 168/6 in the allotted 20 overs. Hardik Pandya’s cameo in the middle overs added valuable runs, stabilising the side after a couple of early wickets fell.
Bangladesh’s reply began on a hopeful note, with openers putting on a solid partnership before the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy began to tighten the screws. Kuldeep’s three‑wicket spell, including two consecutive dismissals of Rishad Hossain and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, put Bangladesh on the back foot. Chakravarthy’s two wickets complemented the pressure, while Jasprit Bumrah chipped in with two more, including the crucial wicket of Saif Hassan.
Saif Hassan’s 69‑run effort was the lone bright spot for Bangladesh. He survived a couple of early drops and weathered an on‑slaught of deliveries before being caught by Axar Patel off Bumrah. The lack of meaningful partnerships at the other end meant his heroics were insufficient to chase down the target.
Key performances that shaped the outcome
India’s victory was built on several standout contributions:
- Abhishek Sharma – 75 runs off 44 balls; the backbone of the innings.
- Hardik Pandya – quick 30‑plus runs, steadying the lower middle order.
- Kuldeep Yadav – 3 wickets for 19 runs; near hat‑trick in the middle overs.
- Varun Chakravarthy – 2 wickets for 22 runs; supported Kuldeep brilliantly.
- Jasprit Bumrah – 2 wickets for 18 runs; clinched the final wicket.
On the Bangladesh side, Saif Hassan’s 69 was the only substantial knock. The rest of the batting line‑up failed to build partnerships, collapsing under the spin on a surface that offered turn and bounce. Drops by the fielders added to their woes, as the ball slipped away on two key chances during Chakravarthy’s spell.
The win extends India’s dominance over Bangladesh in T20 cricket, now standing at 17 wins out of 18 encounters. It also underscores the depth of the Indian squad, which managed to post a competitive total even when operating at roughly 70‑80 percent capacity.
With the final now set, India will face the winner of the Bangladesh‑Pakistan knockout. The stakes are high, but the Indian camp appears confident, having demonstrated a balanced blend of explosive batting and incisive bowling throughout the Super 4 stage.
Sri Lanka’s exit, despite a promising league performance, highlights the unforgiving nature of the Super 4 format where two slip‑ups can end a campaign. Their elimination opens the door for a fresh final showdown that promises high drama and top‑level cricket.
Overall, the Dubai encounter was a textbook example of how crucial partnerships, disciplined death‑over bowling, and effective spin can dictate outcomes in the modern T20 arena. The stage is now set for a climactic finale that will decide the champion of the Asia Cup 2025.
