Pakistan book dream final with India after edging Bangladesh in crucial Super 4s clash

Pakistan have set up a dream final in the Asia Cup with arch-rivals India after defeating Bangladesh in a crucial Super 4s match in Dubai on Thursday.

Pakistan struggled in the batting department, posting a modest 135/8. But their bowling unit, led by pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi (4-0-17-3), secured an 11-run win by restricting the opposition to 124/9.

Haris Rauf claimed 3/12, while Saim Ayub, whose struggles with the bat continued after being dismissed for a duck, bagged two wickets with his tidy off-break.

Earlier, sent in to bat, Pakistan were put under pressure by Bangladesh's in-form bowlers, who removed Sahibzada Farhan (4) and Ayub in 2 overs. Mohammad Haris top-scored with 31 runs, and Mohammad Nawaz added 25 as Pakistan managed to post a respectable score.

Taskin Ahmed claimed three wickets, while Mahedi Hasan and Rishad Hossain claimed two each, striking at regular intervals to prevent Pakistan from building notable partnerships. A 38-run stand for the 8th wicket between Haris and Nawaz was the best they managed.

Sri Lanka will play the inconsequential last Super 4s match with India on Friday. Suryakumar Yadav-led India had already secured their berth in Sunday's final, having beaten Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Brief scores: Pakistan 135/8 in 20 overs (Mohammad Haris 31, Mohammad Nawaz 25, Taskin Ahmed 3/28, Rishad Hossain 2/18, Mahedi Hasan 2/28) bt Bangladesh 124/9 in 20 overs (Shamim Hossain 30, Shaheen Afridi 3/17, Haris Rauf 3/23, Saim Ayub 2/16)