Pakistan edged past Bangladesh in a tense Super Fours clash of the Asia Cup 2025 despite showcasing some of the sloppiest fielding moments of the tournament. In the 17th Match played in Dubai on September 25, Pakistan successfully defended a low total of 136 to seal their place in the final against India. What caught everyone’s attention though was Pakistan’s school-level fielding display that quickly went viral during the must-win encounter.

Pakistan’s sloppy fielding display during BAN vs PAK Super 4 clash

Defending a modest target, Pakistan’s bowlers were relying on discipline and quick breakthroughs to restrict Bangladesh’s chase. Shaheen Afridi got them an early breakthrough but the real talking point came in the fifth over when a glaring lapse in fielding left fans in disbelief. Bangladesh’s batters Towid Hridoy and Najmul Hossain Shanto found themselves stranded at the same end after a miscommunication while running between the wickets. Saim Ayub, stationed at backward point, did well to make a sharp stop and immediately released the throw towards the bowler’s end.

To the frustration of Pakistan supporters, no fielder was present at the non-striker’s end to collect the ball. What should have been one of the easiest run-outs of the competition turned into an embarrassing miss for Pakistan. The incident was replayed repeatedly on the big screen, sparking laughter among the Dubai crowd and memes on social media within minutes. The lapse summed up the Men in Green’s long-standing struggle with fielding – a weakness that continues to haunt them in major tournaments.

Although Afridi made amends by dismissing Hridoy on the very next delivery, the missed opportunity exposed Pakistan’s lack of communication and sharpness in the field. Several former cricketers and fans criticized the team’s inability to grab simple chances, labeling the effort as “school cricket” and urging an overhaul in their fielding standards.

Here’s the video:

Both batters at the same end but still survive 😲

Watch #PAKvBAN Live now on the Sony Sports Network TV channels Sony LIV. #SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/b6tXLSMI1d

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 25, 2025

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Pakistan overcome Bangladesh to seal Asia Cup 2025 final spot

Despite the comedy of errors, Pakistan managed to hold their nerve thanks to disciplined bowling performances from Afridi and Haris Rauf. Earlier, Pakistan struggled with the bat after opting to bat first. Contributions from Afridi, who played a vital cameo of 19 off 13 balls, and Mohammad Nawaz’s quickfire 25 off 15 helped them scrape their way to 135 in 20 overs. Bangladesh’s bowlers dominated large parts of the innings, with Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman applying constant pressure on the batting unit.

Chasing 136, Bangladesh started cautiously but faltered under relentless pressure from the Pakistani pacers. Afridi once again rose to the occasion, claiming 3 wickets for just 17 runs in his four overs, while Haris Rauf matched his effort with 3 wickets of his own. Bangladesh eventually folded for 124, falling short by 11 runs in what turned into a gripping contest.

Afridi deservedly bagged the Player of the Match award for his all-round heroics. Pakistan’s victory not only ensured their berth in the Asia Cup 2025 final but also set up a high-voltage showdown against arch-rivals India on September 28. India, having already beaten Pakistan twice in the tournament, enter the final as clear favourites. However, Pakistan will take confidence from their ability to defend a below-par total and will hope that their fielding lapses do not repeat in the all-important clash.

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