Key Points

Bangladesh has won the toss and chosen to bowl first against Pakistan in a crucial Asia Cup match. Stand-in captain Jaker Ali explained the decision was based on their bowling strength and the dry pitch conditions. The winner of this high-stakes clash will earn a place in the final against India. Pakistan's captain, Salman Agha, stated his team was also prepared to bat first and is focused on executing their plans.

Key Points: Bangladesh Bowl First Against Pakistan in Asia Cup Super Fours Clash

  • Bangladesh makes three changes with Mahedi, Taskin, and Nurul replacing Saif, Nasum, and Tanzid
  • The winner faces India in the Asia Cup final scheduled for September 28 in Dubai
  • Pakistan captain Salman Agha says his team wanted to bat first on the dry pitch
  • Both teams have one win and a loss to India in the Super Fours stage
2 min read

Asia Cup: Mahedi, Taskin, Nurul come in as Bangladesh elect to bowl first against Pak

Bangladesh elect to bowl first in a decisive Asia Cup match. Jaker Ali leads with Mahedi, Taskin, and Nurul in the lineup for a final spot against India.

"Looks like a pretty dry wicket. We have been doing well while bowling first, so we are going with that strategy. - Jaker Ali"

Dubai, Sep 25

Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, and Nurul Hasan have come in for Bangladesh as stand-in captains. Jaker Ali won the toss and elected to bowl first against Pakistan in a decisive 2025 Super Fours clash of the Men’s Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium here on Thursday.

The winner of this clash, to be played on a dry-looking pitch, will face India in the final on September 28 in Dubai. After winning the toss, Jaker said Mahedi, Taskin, and Nurul replace Saif Hassan, Nasum Ahmed, and Tanzid Hasan in the playing eleven.

This is the second straight game Bangladesh are playing in this competition after suffering a 41-run loss to India.

“Looks like a pretty dry wicket. We have been doing well while bowling first, so we are going with that strategy. As a bowling unit, we have been doing well. We have to bat really well in this match. We just want to play for the championship, that's the mindset,” said Jaker.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha said his playing eleven is unchanged from their win over Sri Lanka. “We wanted to bat first, so it's okay. Looks like a good pitch. Scoreboard pressure is the key. We have defended well after scoring 150-plus. Beating Sri Lanka was always great.”

“We want to play good cricket and execute our plans. It's always important to play in any final. We want to focus on this game and want to win this game. We want to play good cricket,” he said.

Both Pakistan and Bangladesh need to win this match to seal a place in the final. Both have won a match and lost to India in the Super 4s stage. Both Bangladesh and Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka.

Playing XIs:

Bangladesh: Saif Hassan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali (c & wk), Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Bowling first on a dry pitch makes sense, but Bangladesh's batting has been inconsistent. They need to chase well if they want to face India in the final. Exciting match ahead! 🏏
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan in Dubai, the atmosphere is electric! Both teams have everything to play for. Pakistan's unchanged lineup shows confidence after their Sri Lanka win.
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Arjun K
Bangladesh dropping Tanzid Hasan is surprising - he showed promise. But Taskin's return strengthens their bowling. Hope the pitch doesn't become too slow for good cricket.
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Michael C
Jaker Ali seems to have a clear strategy. Bowling first has worked for them, but Pakistan's batting lineup looks strong. This could be a close contest!
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Kavya N
Both teams lost to India, so this is their chance for redemption. Bangladesh needs their top order to fire today. Excited for some quality cricket! 🤞
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Vikram M
Dry pitch means spinners will come into play later. Bangladesh's bowling changes make sense, but their batting needs to step up. May the best team win and face India!

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