Asia Cup 2025: Bangladesh Make Three Changes for Virtual Semi-final Against Pakistan

Dubai: Bangladesh stand-in captain Jaker Ali won the toss and opted to bowl first against Pakistan in a crucial Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai. With the winner of this match set to face India in the final on Sunday, the encounter effectively serves as a virtual semi-final.

Bangladesh, already without regular skipper Litton Das due to a side strain, made three key changes to their playing XI. Nurul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, and Taskin Ahmed were drafted in, replacing Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, and Nasum Ahmed respectively. Jaker, continuing as captain and wicketkeeper in Litton’s absence, leads a side that has opted for additional pace and experience in a high-stakes match.

Pakistan, led by Salman Agha, remained unchanged from their previous victory over Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi. The unchanged lineup reflects confidence in a balanced side that has performed steadily through the tournament. Salman expressed satisfaction at being asked to bat first, indicating that his side also preferred to set a target on what appears to be a dry, spin-friendly surface.

Playing XIs

Bangladesh:

1. Saif Hassan

2. Parvez Hossain Emon

3. Towhid Hridoy

4. Shamim Hossain

5. Jaker Ali (capt & wk)

6. Nurul Hasan

7. Mahedi Hasan

8. Rishad Hossain

9. Taskin Ahmed

10. Tanzim Hasan Sakib

11. Mustafizur Rahman

Pakistan:

1. Sahibzada Farhan

2. Fakhar Zaman

3. Saim Ayub

4. Salman Agha (capt)

5. Hussain Talat

6. Mohammad Haris (wk)

7. Mohammad Nawaz

8. Faheem Ashraf

9. Shaheen Afridi

10. Haris Rauf

11. Abrar Ahmed

With both teams eyeing a spot in the final against India, the pressure is high and strategies will be key—especially on a surface that could assist slower bowlers as the match progresses.