India booked their place in the final of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 with a comprehensive 41-run victory over Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, September 24. The result also ended Sri Lanka’s hopes of making the summit clash, leaving Pakistan and Bangladesh to fight for the remaining spot in the final.
Batting first after being put in, India made a strong start through openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma. Gill struck a few early boundaries before Abhishek took charge, attacking the bowlers with clean hitting. The left-hander powered his way to 75 from just 37 deliveries, lifting India to 72 without loss at the end of the Powerplay. His innings, highlighted by big sixes, kept India firmly on top until a sharp run-out by Rishad Hossain cut short his knock.
The dismissal of Abhishek shifted the momentum. Gill had already fallen for 29, and the middle order failed to build on the platform. Shivam Dube’s brief stay ended quickly, Suryakumar Yadav struggled for fluency and Tilak Varma also departed cheaply.
Hardik Pandya provided stability with 38, while Axar Patel stayed unbeaten on 10, but the scoring rate dipped in the second half. India closed their innings at 168 for six, with only 70 runs added in the last ten overs. Rishad Hossain was the most effective bowler for Bangladesh, taking two wickets in addition to his fielding brilliance.
In reply, Bangladesh relied heavily on opener Saif Hassan, who kept the chase alive with a fighting 69. He was given multiple reprieves, including two missed chances in the same over off Varun Chakravarthy, but carried on to anchor the innings. Apart from him, only Parvez Hossain Emon managed some resistance with 21, and the pair added 42 for the second wicket.
Once that stand was broken, the rest of the batting line-up crumbled against India’s spinners.
Kuldeep Yadav bowled with control to return figures of three for 18, while Chakravarthy took two for 29. Jasprit Bumrah also found form, conceding only 18 runs in his four overs and taking two wickets. Bangladesh were dismissed for 127 in 19.3 overs, handing India a comfortable win and safe passage to the final.
