After overcoming Sri Lanka in a must-win contest, Pakistan managed to keep their Asia Cup 2025 campaign alive. That victory ensured they had another shot at reaching the tournament final.

Today, they face Bangladesh in what has effectively become a virtual knockout battle, with the winner earning the right to challenge India in the summit clash. The stakes are high, and both sides know this game could define their journey in the competition.

However, Pakistan’s hopes took a serious blow early in the innings. Struggling against disciplined bowling, they collapsed under pressure, losing five wickets before even crossing the 50-run mark. The early setbacks left their middle order with an uphill task, as the team’s chances of survival in the match and the tournament now hang in the balance.

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Rishad Hossain Sends Fakhar Zaman to Pakistan’s Dressing Room:

Pakistan’s batting began on a shaky note as they lost two quick wickets within the first two overs. Opener Fakhar Zaman managed to hit a couple of boundaries but failed to provide stability. His short stay at the crease added little value, leaving Pakistan under pressure early in their innings and needing a strong recovery.

In the third ball of the seventh over, Pakistan faced another setback as Rishad Hossain struck with his very first over. Fakhar Zaman, who was struggling to find rhythm, decided to attack a flighted delivery pitched outside off. Looking to clear the infield with a lofted drive, he mistimed the shot and couldn’t generate the required elevation.

Positioned at wide long-off, Tanzim Hasan Sakib judged the ball perfectly and completed a clean catch, sending Zaman back to the pavilion. It was a crucial breakthrough for Bangladesh as Pakistan’s top order crumbled under pressure. With three wickets already down, Pakistan now found themselves in urgent need of a steady partnership to revive their innings and keep their hopes alive.

Rishad Hossain joins the party for Bangladesh 🙌

Pakistan lose their 3rd wicket.

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Fakhar Zaman’s innings ended prematurely after scoring 13 runs from 20 deliveries, including two boundaries, at a modest strike rate of 65.00. He was caught by Tanzim Hasan Sakib at long-off while attempting an aggressive lofted shot off Rishad Hossain’s bowling, cutting short his knock and adding to Pakistan’s batting woes early in the chase.