In a high-octane Super 4 clash of the Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai, India secured a comprehensive 41-run victory over Bangladesh to book their place in the final. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 37-ball 75 laid the foundation, complemented brilliantly by left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s devastating spell of 3/18.
Chasing a competitive 169, Bangladesh could manage only 127 in 19.3 overs, with Saif Hassan top-scoring with a battling 69 off 51 balls. India’s powerplay fireworks, led by the opening pair of Abhishek and Shubman Gill, set the tone for the match. Despite a few hiccups in the middle order, the Men in Blue’s bowlers maintained control to restrict the Bangladesh chase. With this result, Sri Lanka’s chances of reaching the final ended, making the Pakistan vs Bangladesh clash a virtual knockout for a summit clash spot.
Asia Cup 2025: Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill’s blistering opening powerplay
India’s openers, Abhishek and Gill, turned the powerplay into a masterclass of aggressive strokeplay. After being invited to bat by Bangladesh stand-in captain Jaker Ali, the duo raced to 72/0 in just 6.2 overs, erasing the initial struggle of scoring 17 runs in the first three overs. Abhishek, dropped early on 7, accelerated immediately and reached his fifty in only 25 balls, displaying impeccable timing and power.
Gill contributed a quick 29 before falling to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, breaking the opening stand. The promotion of Shivam Dube ahead of captain Suryakumar Yadav disrupted the left-right combination and backfired, resulting in a quick two off three balls. Despite the middle-order wobble, Abhishek’s brilliant 75 off 37 deliveries, including six fours and five sixes, kept India ahead. Suryakumar’s 5 and Tilak Varma’s 5 added little resistance, while Axar Patel’s scratchy 10 off 15 balls failed to stabilize the innings, culminating in India finishing at 168/6.
Asia Cup 2025: Kuldeep Yadav and India’s spin duo stifle Bangladesh chase
Chasing 169, Bangladesh’s innings never gained momentum as India’s bowlers spun a web around them. Kuldeep’s left-arm wrist-spin claimed 3/18, Varun Chakaravarthy picked up 2/29, and Axar added 1/37, keeping the Bangladesh batters under constant pressure. India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah struck early to remove Tanzid Hasan Tamim in his first over, setting the tone.
Only Saif resisted with a 51-ball 69 studded with five sixes and three fours, before being brilliantly caught by Axar at long-on. Bangladesh’s collapse was highlighted by timely wickets and tight lines from Kuldeep and Varun, ensuring India maintained control. Despite brief resistance from Saif, the Tigers were bowled out for 127 in 19.3 overs. With Sri Lanka eliminated from the tournament, the winner of the Pakistan vs Bangladesh clash will face India in the final on Sunday.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Abhishek sharma, the Most dangerous t20i opener in the world at the moment💪
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 24, 2025
Abhishek sharma undoubtedly the future of indian cricket.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) September 24, 2025
Watching Abhishek Sharma smash boundaries like this brings back all the memories of @YUVSTRONG12 in his prime.”#AsiaCup2025 #INDvsBAN
— Dimuth Karunarathna 🇱🇰 (@IamDimuth) September 24, 2025
SRH accelerated Abhishek Sharma’s potential and bro hasn’t step foot on the brakes ever since. 35 avg at a strike rate close to 200 is monstrous for an opener. Crazy consistency at utilizing the powerplay to it’s fullest.
— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) September 24, 2025
Kuldeep Yadav has been a cheat code in this tournament.
— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) September 24, 2025
Kuldeep Yadav’s comeback in T20I is truly special. Still remember he was so down when Moeen Ali took him over but years later, he has been the go to man in white-ball cricket for India. ❤️
— Bhawana (@cricbhawana) September 24, 2025
Kuldeep averages 12+ with the ball in T20Is after 80 odd wickets….. You know how mighty fckng good it is…. Just 12 Wow… Played only 45 games in 8 years since his debut.
— arfan (@Im__Arfan) September 24, 2025
Kuldeep back✌️back wickets 🔥🔥
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) September 24, 2025
It’ll be very interesting to check if the speed distribution of Kuldeep’s googly has changed in recent times. Looks like he can bowl it faster now. Of course no one has this data. So no one can check.
— Himanish Ganjoo (@himganj153) September 24, 2025
Sri Lanka are now officially out of the Asia Cup 2025#cricket #AsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/V9UlXFwqS6
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 24, 2025
Also WATCH: Asia Cup 2025: Abhishek Sharma smashes 25-ball fifty, sister Komal’s reaction goes viral in IND vs BAN clash
