India qualify for Asia Cup final with 41-run win over Bangladesh in Super 4 match
Dubai: India secured their place in the Asia Cup 2025 final on Wednesday with a commanding 41-run victory over Bangladesh in the Super Four stage at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
A blistering 75 from opener Abhishek Sharma laid the foundation, while Kuldeep Yadav's three-wicket haul dismantled Bangladesh's chase.
Chasing a par target of 169 that India set, Bangladesh were bundled out for 127 in 19.3 overs.
Sri Lanka, who lost both their Super 4s matches, are now out of the race to the final and Thursday's match between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be a virtual knockout contest for a place for the summit clash on Sunday.
Kuldeep (3/18), Axar Patel (1/37) and Varun Chakaravathy (2/29) did the bulk of damage for India with the ball.
For Bangladesh, Saif Hassan (69, 51 balls) was the top-scorer.
Earlier, opener Abhishek hammered a 37-ball 75 but the rest of the batters failed to produce a big score as India settled for a par 168 for six.
Abhishek shared a blistering opening-wicket stand of 77 runs in 6.2 overs with Shubman Gill (29) that gave India a strong start.
But once Gill and Abhishek departed, Indian middle-order failed to sustain the momentum.
Brief scores: 168/6 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 77, Shubman Gill 29, Hardik Pandya 38) beat Bangladesh 127 all out in 19.3 overs (Saif Hassan 69; Kuldeep Yadav 3/18, Varun Chakravarthy 2/29, Axar Patel 1/37) by 41 runs.
(with inputs from PTI)