By Sports Reporter
India have blasted their way into the final of the 2025 Asia Cup with a game to spare at the Super Fours stage with a 41-run victory against Bangladesh.
Opener Abhishek Sharma’s 75 off 37 balls led the way in his side’s total of 168-6 before Kuldeep Yadav picked up 3-18.
Sharma’s innings included five sixes as he reached his fourth T20 half-century in response to Bangladesh’s decision to field first in Wednesday’s encounter.
After a middle-order wobble by India, Hardik Pandya scored 38 off 29 balls, but the total felt as though it was little more than a par effort on a slow wicket at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Bangladesh were bowled out for 127 in reply despite Saif Hassan’s fourth T20 half-century. He scored 69 off 51 balls, but it wasn’t enough to help his side to a second Super Fours victory as they chased a similar target to the one that saw them overcome Sri Lanka on Saturday.
The margin of victory could have been much greater, but India’s fielding left much to be desired again with five dropped catches, but dominant displays from Sharma and their spinners were enough to book a spot in the final.
It is the second time India have reached the Asia Cup T20 final, having won the title in 2016 after beating Bangladesh.
Bangladesh will take on Pakistan at the same venue on Thursday to determine the second finalist. India’s win meant Sri Lanka were eliminated.
The Indian openers made a watchful start but soon hit top gear as 21 runs came in the fourth over and Sharma-Gill added 77 off 38 balls for the first wicket.
The powerplay yielded 72-0 and Gill scored 29 off 19 balls with two sixes. He fell in the seventh over, caught by Rishad Hossain at long off.
