Tigers Exit Asia Cup 2025
Bangladesh’s hopes of competing in the Asia Cup 2025 final were dashed in dramatic fashion when the Tigers succumbed to Pakistan by 11 runs in their final Super Four match. A dismal batting performance cost Bangladesh dearly, as they could muster only 124 for 9 while chasing 136. That failure sealed Bangladesh’s exit from Asia Cup 2025, denying them a chance at a title decider.
The Decisive Match & Stakes
Coming into this final Super Four fixture, Bangladesh needed a win over Pakistan to stay in contention for the final. The match, held at Dubai International Stadium, would essentially act as a knockout: victory would keep Bangladesh’s tournament alive, defeat would end their run. Choosing to bowl after winning the toss, Bangladesh were optimistic about pursuing the modest target. But the batting collapse that followed proved fatal.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh’s bowlers had done their part. They held Pakistan to 135 for 8, believing it to be a defendable total. Taskin Ahmed’s three wickets, plus tight spells from Rishad Hossain and Mahedi Hasan, had kept Pakistan’s batting under pressure.
Bangladesh’s Batting Implosion
Chasing 136, Bangladesh’s innings started off on the wrong foot. They lost three wickets inside the powerplay—a disastrous start that put alarm bells ringing early. Key players like Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy fell to Shaheen Afridi, further weakening the chase.
Saif Hassan, who had earlier been an anchor in the campaign, failed to find consistent support. He made just 18, and was dismissed by Haris Rauf. Meanwhile, Nurul Hasan tried to stabilize but could only contribute 16 off 21 deliveries. Stand-in captain Jaker Ali also fell cheaply, leaving Bangladesh scrambling.
Shamim Hossain’s small fight of 30 off 25 balls offered a glimpse of resistance, but when he attempted a reverse lap against Afridi, he lost his wicket. That dismissal extinguished residual hopes. Rishad Hossain remained not out on 16, but could not carry the innings over the line.
Blame the Batting, Not the Bowling
It’s important to note: the Asia Cup 2025 exit was not caused by poor bowling or an unplayable pitch. Earlier in the match, Bangladesh’s bowlers had shown discipline and control. They removed top Pakistan batters early, and at a stage had Pakistan reeling at 49 for 5. Shaheen Afridi’s late fightback and a stubborn lower-order stand salvaged Pakistan’s total, but Bangladesh had given them the platform.
Thus, the fault lines in Bangladesh’s campaign ended not in the bowling department but in their batsmen’s inability to execute under pressure.
What This Exit Reveals
The first and most glaring concern is the fragile top order. Losing key wickets early, especially within the powerplay overs, consistently left Bangladesh on the back foot. Matches at this level demand stability at the top, but Bangladesh failed to provide it when it mattered most.
Another major weakness was the lack of middle-order depth. Beyond Saif Hassan, who tried to anchor the innings, there were no performances of substance. The middle order repeatedly crumbled under pressure, leaving the team overly reliant on late-order cameos that were not enough to chase modest targets.
Equally concerning was the team’s struggle to handle pressure. In must-win situations, Bangladesh’s batting lineup faltered badly. Poor shot selection, rushed decisions, and lapses in judgment highlighted the mental aspect of the game, which proved decisive in this campaign.
Finally, the exit also exposed an over-reliance on a few individuals. The Tigers leaned too heavily on certain key players. When those players failed, the entire system collapsed. A lack of contributions across the batting order left Bangladesh unable to sustain momentum or build partnerships.
These shortcomings combined to undo the Tigers’ promising start with the ball and ultimately caused their Asia Cup 2025 exit.
Reactions and Regrets
After the game, many in the Bangladeshi media and cricketing circles lamented that a more measured, composed batting approach might have changed the outcome. The “poor batting display” narrative has dominated coverage, and many believe that with better shot selection or support partners, Bangladesh could have chased down the modest total.
Stand-in captain Jaker Ali was candid in his reflections after the defeat. He said, “As a batting unit, last two matches, we lose. As a bowling unit, we do very good work, the boys are doing really well. Yesterday also, the batting (cost us the match) and today as well. (On his captaincy experience) Bit tough, but I tried to take those chances and take my game, and try to adjust to the captaincy and enjoy it. (Players who did him proud) Our bowlers, Rishad and Saif. As a batter, Saif, throughout the tournament, has played very well but unfortunately, we did not give him support. As a bowling unit, we did really well (in this tournament).”
Bangladesh’s exit from Asia Cup 2025 is a painful reminder: cricket is not just about bold bowling or sparks of batting—it’s about consistency, depth, and composure. On this occasion, the Tigers’ batting failed them when it mattered most. While their bowlers did enough to give them a fighting chance, the collapse under pressure sealed their fate.
As Bangladesh reflects on this campaign, the priority must be to build a more dependable batting lineup that can handle pressure and deliver results in critical moments. The journey of Asia Cup 2025 has ended for them—but the learnings from this exit could shape a stronger future.