Dubai, (UNI) India stormed into the final of ongoing Asia Cup tournament by defeating Bangladesh by 41 runs in a high-voltage T20 clash at Dubai International Stadium here tonight and sealed their spot.
While Sri Lanka bowed out of the tournament. That now leaves Pakistan and Bangladesh facing off in a straight knockout clash.
Bangladesh, after winning the toss and electing to field, managed to restrict India to 168 for 6 in 20 overs, but the score reflected a battle of calculated aggression versus disciplined fielding. India’s top order struggled initially, with Shubman Gill (29 off 19) and Shivam Dube (2) falling cheaply, leaving the innings in a fragile position.
It was Abhishek Sharma’s counter-attack 75 off 37 balls, combined with Hardik Pandya’s late surge of 38 off 29, that transformed a shaky start into a competitive total. Their partnership demonstrated the importance of pacing an innings under pressure, particularly against tight spin from Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.
Sharma’s run out in the 12th over, resulting from an ambitious single, highlighted how even small lapses can prove costly in T20 cricket. Suryakumar Yadav (5) and Tilak Varma (2) failed to capitalise on starts, but Pandya’s late cameo, exploiting short deliveries and slower balls, ensured India finished strongly, with Axar Patel unbeaten on 10.
Bangladesh’s reply was anchored by Saif Hassan (69 off 51), who showcased power-hitting and smart placement, repeatedly punishing loose deliveries. He brought up his 50 with back-to-back sixes off Axar and Hardik, momentarily shifting the momentum.
However, a string of misfields and sharp Indian bowling broke partnerships at crucial junctures. Kuldeep Yadav struck twice in quick succession to remove Rishad Hossain (2) and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (0), Varun Chakaravarthy trapped Saifuddin (4), and Bumrah finally accounted for Saif Hassan. Mustafizur Rahman was the last man out, caught by Axar off Tilak Varma, leaving Bangladesh all out for 127 in 19.3 overs.
Dropped catches early in the innings, particularly four chances offered to Saif Hassan, had allowed Bangladesh to build some resistance. But India’s fielding discipline in the latter stages, combined with well-timed breakthroughs, proved decisive. Towhid Hridoy (7), Parvez Hossain Emon (21), and Jaker Ali (4) fell under sustained pressure, exemplifying how patience and intelligent bowling in the middle overs can choke a chase.
Bumrah’s mix of pace and variation, Kuldeep’s wrist-spin, and Axar and Varun’s control in the middle overs were key in stifling Bangladeshi batsmen. While Rishad Hossain took two wickets, India’s superior experience in handling pressure and rotating the strike effectively allowed them to maintain the initiative throughout.
The match was a showcase of momentum swings, where aggressive intent met disciplined execution. India’s middle-order counterattack, coupled with astute bowling changes and field placements, underscored why they remain the benchmark in navigating high-pressure T20 encounters.
With this win, India moves confidently into the Asia Cup final, while Bangladesh now faces a critical do-or-die clash against Pakistan.
India storm into Asia Cup final by defeating Bangladesh
