Pakistan set up an Asia Cup final showdown with India after successfully defending 136 to beat Bangladesh by 11 runs in a low-scoring Super 4s match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
They will face the defending champions in what will be the first-ever India-Pakistan Asia Cup final in 41 years.
India had already booked their spot in the final with a 41-run victory over Bangladesh, led by Suryakumar Yadav and his team.
Pakistan posted a modest total of 135/8 in their 20 overs but managed to restrict the Jaker Ali-led Bangladesh team to 124, clinching an 11-run victory.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf were the standout bowlers, taking three wickets each.
Saim Ayub also played a crucial role by dismissing two Bangladeshi batters while conceding just 16 runs in his four overs.
India has already defeated Pakistan twice in the ongoing tournament, and the final on Sunday offers Pakistan a chance for revenge. India will be aiming to complete a hat-trick of wins against their arch-rivals.
Pakistan last appeared in the Asia Cup final in 2022, finishing as runners-up.
Meanwhile, India claimed the Asia Cup 2023 title with a commanding 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the final at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium.
Pakistan have met India twice already during the tournament, with India winning on both occasions, but the matches have garnered more attention for the friction between the two sides than for the cricket.
The stage is set for a high-voltage clash between the two cricketing giants in Dubai on Monday, as fans eagerly await an epic showdown.
[Source: BBC Sports]
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