India became the first team to qualify for the Asia Cup 2025 final after beating Bangladesh by 41 runs in their Super Fours clash in Dubai. The victory was set up by a blistering 75 off just 37 balls from opener Abhishek Sharma and a superb three-wicket haul from Kuldeep Yadav, ensuring the defending champions remained unbeaten in the tournament.
India were put in to bat and immediately seized control of the match. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill got the team off to a flying start, smashing 77 runs in just over six overs. Gill contributed a quick 29 before falling to Rishad Hossain, but Sharma continued his onslaught, peppering the boundaries with crisp strokes and hammering five towering sixes. His dismissal, however, triggered a mini-collapse. From 129 for 1, India suddenly found themselves reeling at 129 for 5, as Bangladesh struck in quick succession.
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav fell cheaply, while a mix-up resulted in Sharma’s run-out, handing Bangladesh a brief window back into the game. Hardik Pandya’s composed 38 off 29 balls proved crucial in stabilizing the innings. Along with some handy late runs from the lower order, India finished on 168 for 6, a competitive total on a tricky surface that had begun to slow down.
In response, Bangladesh started with intent, keeping pace with the asking rate early on. But once the Indian spinners took charge, the chase unraveled. Kuldeep Yadav was the chief architect of Bangladesh’s downfall, returning figures of 3 for 18 in his four overs. His variations proved too much for the middle order, dismissing key batters just when Bangladesh needed to accelerate. Varun Chakravarthy (2 for 29) and Axar Patel (1 for 37) provided excellent support, squeezing the run flow and building pressure from both ends.
Despite a valiant effort from Saif Hassan, who scored a fighting 69 off 51 balls with five sixes, Bangladesh never looked in control once wickets started tumbling. The lack of partnerships and disciplined Indian bowling saw them bowled out for 127 in 19.3 overs. India’s fielding was slightly off, with as many as five catches going down, but their bowlers ensured those lapses did not cost them the match.
This victory not only confirmed India’s place in the final but also knocked Sri Lanka out of contention. The result now sets up a virtual semi-final between Bangladesh and Pakistan, with the winner facing India in the summit clash on Sunday.
For India, the form of Abhishek Sharma at the top and Kuldeep Yadav’s consistency in the middle overs are encouraging signs. The team will aim to tighten their fielding ahead of the final but will go into the title clash as firm favourites. With momentum firmly on their side, they look well-placed to defend their Asia Cup crown.
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