By Himadullah Sohoo 
India booked their place in the Asia Cup 2025 final with a commanding 41-run win over Bangladesh in Dubai. On a night that showcased their bowling depth, India’s spinners combined with Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery new-ball spell to suffocate Bangladesh’s chase of 169.
Abhishek Sharma Sets the Tone
Sent in to bat first, India’s innings was spearheaded by Abhishek Sharma, who hammered 75 off just 37 balls. His clean hitting, laced with six boundaries and five sixes, powered India to 72 in the powerplay. Shubman Gill chipped in with 29, while Hardik Pandya added a crucial 38 off 29 balls in the middle order.
Though Bangladesh clawed back with wickets in the second half of the innings, India still managed 168/6 in 20 overs, a total that looked competitive given the conditions. Rishad Hossain was the pick of the bowlers with 2/27, while Mustafizur Rahman and Tanzim Hasan Sakib chipped in with one wicket each.
Bumrah and Spinners Seal It
Bangladesh’s chase faltered almost immediately. Bumrah’s pace and precision accounted for Tanzid Hasan in the first over before he returned to dismiss Saif Hassan later. His final figures of 2/18 in four overs exemplified control and threat.
The spinners then turned the screws. Kuldeep Yadav was outstanding, picking up 3/18, while Varun Chakravarthy (2/29) and Axar Patel (1/37) ensured there was no release of pressure. Even part-timer Tilak Varma chipped in with a wicket to round off a disciplined effort.
Lone Resistance from Saif Hassan
Bangladesh’s only source of fight came through Saif Hassan, who played a lone hand with 69 off 51 balls. He struck three fours and five sixes, but lacked support at the other end. Only Parvez Emon (21) managed to cross double figures as the rest of the batting faltered.
Bangladesh were bowled out for 127 in 19.3 overs, never truly threatening India’s total after regular wickets stalled momentum.
Implications of the Result
With this win, India march into the Asia Cup 2025 final, showcasing their depth in batting and their potent spin attack. Bangladesh, meanwhile, now face a must-win encounter against Pakistan, with Sri Lanka’s exit confirmed after this result.
Brief Scores
India 168/6 (Abhishek Sharma 75, Hardik Pandya 38; Rishad Hossain 2/27, Mustafizur 1/33)
Bangladesh 127 all out in 19.3 overs (Saif Hassan 69; Kuldeep Yadav 3/18, Bumrah 2/18, Varun 2/29)
Result: India won by 41 runs
Anas Ahmed 
Zainab Shafiq