India booked their place in the Asia Cup 2025 final with a commanding 41-run victory over Bangladesh in Dubai on Wednesday. The match was highlighted by Abhishek Sharma’s breathtaking 75 off 37 balls and a collective bowling effort, spearheaded by Kuldeep Yadav, that dismantled Bangladesh’s chase of 169.
India’s Batting: Explosive Start, Fading Finish
After being asked to bat first by Bangladesh stand-in skipper Jaker Ali, India looked poised for a massive total. The opening duo of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill went on the offensive right after a cautious start.
- India managed only 17 runs in the first three overs.
- In the fourth over, Gill cut loose, hammering Nasum Ahmed for a four and six before Sharma finished the over with a towering maximum.
- The pair added 77 runs in just 6.2 overs, giving India their best start of the tournament.
Abhishek Sharma continued to dominate, reaching his half-century in only 25 balls with a strike rate of 200. His knock, decorated with six boundaries and five sixes, showcased a blend of timing and raw power.
Gill supported well with 29 off 19 balls before falling soon after the powerplay. However, once the openers departed, India’s momentum fizzled out.
Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube failed to make an impact, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav (16) couldn’t convert his start. Hardik Pandya provided some resistance with 39 from 29 deliveries, but wickets at regular intervals meant India closed on 168/6—below what seemed possible at 100/1.
Abhishek Sharma’s Rise as India’s Powerhouse
Abhishek’s innings reinforced his status as India’s most exciting young batter in T20 cricket. He has now amassed 173 runs in the Asia Cup at a strike rate of 208.43, putting him at the top of the tournament’s scoring charts.
- His aggressive intent at the top has mirrored India’s fearless approach under Suryakumar Yadav.
- His chemistry with Gill has been vital in setting up strong foundations for India.
- Importantly, Sharma’s ability to dominate both pace and spin reflects his growing maturity at the international stage.
While his run-out was unfortunate sacrificing himself for his captain it spoke volumes about his team-first attitude.
Bangladesh Collapse in the Chase
Chasing 169, Bangladesh never looked settled. Jasprit Bumrah struck early, removing Tanzid Hasan Tamim for just one run, immediately putting the brakes on their innings. From there, India’s spinners took charge.
- Kuldeep Yadav was sensational, bagging three wickets and applying constant pressure in the middle overs.
- Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, exploiting the sluggish Dubai surface.
- Bumrah, though not at his absolute best in earlier games, bowled with discipline upfront, giving India the early breakthrough.
Despite Saif Hassan’s fighting half-century, Bangladesh folded for 127 in 19.3 overs. The lack of contributions from their middle order once again exposed their vulnerability in T20 cricket.
Bangladesh’s Batting Woes Continue
Bangladesh’s struggles in T20Is are well documented. While players like Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy have shown glimpses of promise, their overall strike rates remain modest by modern T20 standards. Without explosive anchors in the middle order, their batting has often looked short of firepower.
In this game, the absence of Litton Das was glaring. Saif Hassan tried to anchor the innings, but with little support around him, the chase fizzled out. Shamim Hossain and Jaker Ali could not rotate strike effectively, leaving too much pressure on the lower order.
Bowling Positives for Bangladesh
While the result was one-sided, Bangladesh’s bowlers deserve credit for keeping India under 170 after a blazing start.
- Rishad Hossain once again impressed, removing Shubman Gill and Shivam Dube to finish with 2/27.
- Mustafizur Rahman’s variations created problems during the death overs, though he lacked support from the other pacers.
- Nasum Ahmed, after being punished early, bounced back with tighter lines to help stem the run flow.
Still, with a modest target to defend, their efforts were never going to be enough against India’s strong bowling attack.
Key Moments of the Match
- Abhishek Sharma’s 75 off 37 set the tone for India.
- The 77-run opening stand between Sharma and Gill gave India early control.
- Kuldeep Yadav’s three-wicket haul ensured Bangladesh never threatened the target.
- Hardik Pandya’s 39 provided late stability for India.
- Bangladesh bundled out for 127, falling 41 runs short.
Historical Context: India’s Dominance Over Bangladesh
This result only extended India’s dominance over Bangladesh in T20 internationals. Out of 18 meetings, Bangladesh has managed to win just once. The gap in quality, particularly in terms of batting depth and bowling variety, continues to dictate outcomes between the two sides.
For India, this win reinforced their credentials as tournament favorites. For Bangladesh, the loss highlighted the need for structural changes in their T20 setup, especially in building a more aggressive batting order.
Looking Ahead
India’s unbeaten run in the Asia Cup 2025 continues, and they now move into the final with momentum firmly on their side. Their batting firepower, spin depth, and Bumrah-led pace attack make them the team to beat.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, must go back to the drawing board. Despite flashes of individual brilliance, they continue to falter against higher-ranked opponents in T20 cricket. With the World Cup on the horizon, their inability to chase competitive totals will be a serious concern.
Final Word
India’s 41-run victory was built on Abhishek Sharma’s explosive batting and the suffocating pressure created by their spinners. While Bangladesh showed glimpses of fight, the gulf between the two teams was evident once again.
For Indian fans, Abhishek’s rise is the biggest talking point of the tournament so far. If his form continues, India’s road to the Asia Cup title and perhaps bigger glories in the coming monthslooks brighter than ever.
