Bangladeshβs Asia Cup 2025 journey came to an end after an 11-run loss to Pakistan in the Super Fours clash in Dubai. Head coach Phil Simmons expressed frustration over dropped catches and poor batting decisions that derailed their chase of 136. Despite having Pakistan at 51 for 5, missed chances allowed their opponents to recover and eventually secure the win.
Dropped Chances Shifted the Momentum
The turning point came when Nurul Hasan and Mahedi Hasan put down Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 12th over. Afridi went on to strike two sixes in a quick 19 off 13 balls. Soon after, Parvez Hossain Emon spilled a catch off Mohammad Nawaz, who made a valuable 25 off 15.
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Simmons dismissed the idea that Dubaiβs βring of fireβ floodlights were to blame for the lapses, insisting the missed catches were purely down to execution.
Batting Errors Prove Costly
Bangladeshβs batting unit, which had impressed in their win over Sri Lanka, faltered against Pakistan. Though they struck more sixes, reckless shot-making cost them key wickets. Simmons admitted the absence of skipper Litton Das, sidelined with a side strain, left a huge void.
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He pointed out that just two games earlier, Bangladesh successfully chased 169 against Sri Lanka on the same surface by making smarter choices.
Progress and Positives
Simmons also touched on Bangladeshβs long-standing issue of strike rates. While he admitted the team lags behind the worldβs best in this department, he praised their growing ability to clear the ropes and stressed the need for partnerships.
Bangladesh also experimented with their batting order, promoting Mahedi Hasan to No. 4. Though he scored only 11, Simmons defended the move, saying it was aimed at targeting Pakistanβs pacers early on.
Despite the disappointment, Simmons highlighted positives from the tournament, particularly the performances of opener Saif Hassan and the bowling unit.
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Bangladesh finished their campaign with wins over Afghanistan and Sri Lanka but fell short against India and Pakistan, missing out on the final.
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