Kashmir, September 25, 2025 – In a clinical yet fielding-flawed performance, India stormed into the final of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, defeating Bangladesh by 41 runs in a Super Fours clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Suryakumar Yadav’s men posted 168 for 6, powered by Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 75 off 37 balls, before their spinners orchestrated a collapse to bundle out Bangladesh for 127 in 19.3 overs. The victory, achieved under the floodlights, seals India’s berth in Sunday’s summit showdown against the winner of Thursday’s high-stakes Super Fours encounter between Pakistan and Bangladesh, effectively eliminating Sri Lanka from contention. Abhishek, earning Player of the Match honors, anchored a blistering powerplay stand of 77 runs with skipper Shubman Gill in just 6.2 overs, smashing eight fours and four sixes to set the tone. However, a middle-order wobble—triggered by Rishad Hossain’s sharp run-out of Abhishek and key strikes from Bangladesh’s spinners—saw India lose momentum, adding just 73 runs in the remaining overs despite Hardik Pandya’s gritty 38.Electing to field after winning the toss, Bangladesh started strongly with the ball, restricting India to under a run a ball in the opening overs through Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Nasum Ahmed.
But Abhishek’s onslaught shifted gears, blasting 95 runs between overs 3-11, leaving the Tigers chasing shadows in a must-win game to keep final hopes alive.In reply, Bangladesh’s chase unraveled under India’s spin web. Kuldeep Yadav’s left-arm wizardry yielded 3 for 18, dismantling the top order, while Varun Chakravarthy (2/29) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/18) applied the chokehold. Saif Hassan offered lone resistance with a valiant 69 off 51 balls, laced with five sixes, but his efforts couldn’t bridge the required rate as Axar Patel’s catch off Tilak Varma sealed the ninth wicket. Tilak (1/1) mopped up the tail, underscoring India’s depth in a tournament where they’ve now won both Super Fours games convincingly. Post-match, Suryakumar praised the bowlers’ variety but admitted fielding lapses—India dropped several catches—need sharpening ahead of the final. For Bangladesh, skipper Jaker Ali lamented the batting collapse, but the focus shifts to a do-or-die clash with Pakistan. With 16 wins in 17 T20Is against Bangladesh, India extended their dominance in this rivalry. India’s unbeaten run continues, blending youthful flair with seasoned guile, as they eye a record-extending eighth Asia Cup title.
