DHAKA, Sept 25, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh bowlers, led by pacer Taskin Ahmed bowled impeccably to restrict Pakistan to a meager 135-8 in a crucial Asia Cup contest at Dubai International Cricket Stadium today.

A victory in this match, what turned out to be unofficial semifinal, would propel Bangladesh to the final of Asia Cup, where they will meet India.

Taskin Ahmed, who was rested during India clash yesterday, spearheaded the attack with 3-28.

Two spinners -- Mahedi Hasan and Rishad Hossain -- played a perfect foil to him with two wickets apiece while Mustafizur Rahman finished with 1-33.

Mohammad Haris made team-best 31 and Mohammad Nawaz added 25.

Most of the Pakistan batters got good start but Bangladesh bowlers’ intelligent bowling denied them any significant partnership.

Bangladesh won the crucial toss and opted to bowl first, a move justified well by Taskin who struck in the fourth ball of the innings, having claimed the wicket of Sahibzada Farhan for 4.

Mahedi Hasan got the better of Saim Ayub for duck in the second over, leaving Pakistan two down for five runs.

Bangladesh bowler stifled Pakistan in the first powerplay, allowing them to take only 29 runs. That set up the whole things indeed.

Rishad Hossain got into act with the wicket of Fakhar Zaman who made 13 and Mustafizur Rahman dismissed Pakistan captain Salman Agha for 19, to wreck Pakistan further.

Rishad and Mahedi denied Pakistan playing freely in the middle overs but Pakistan looked to hit back through Mohammad Haris.

Shaheen Shah Afridi in the meantime played a cameo but before he made more carnage, Taskin removed him for 13 ball-19.

Haris and Mohammad Nawaz shared 38 runs for the seventh wicket as Pakistan looked to head toward 150.

Mahedi broke the dangerous partnership by removing Haris with a return  catch before Taskin picked up with wicket of Nawaz.

Fahim Ashraf made nine ball-14 not out but that was not enough for Pakistan to post a challenging total for Bangladesh.