DHAKA, Sept 25, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh once again won the crucial toss and 
opted to bowl first, sending Pakistan into bat in their must-win Asia Cup 
clash at Dubai International Cricket Stadium today.

Jaker Ali Anik stood as the captain after regular skipper Liton Das failed to 
recover from his injury fully.

Bangladesh are playing the match, turned out as unofficial semifinal, less 
than 24 hours after their 41-rund defeat to India.

They have made three changes for the 'do or die' match with Taskin Ahmed, 
Nurul Hasan Sohan and Mahedi Hasan returning to the fold, replacing Mohammad 
Saifuddin, Nasum Ahmed and Tanzid Hasan Tamim.

"It looks a pretty dry wicket which is why we opted to bowl first," Jaker 
said after the toss, explaining the reason behind his decision to bowl first. 

"We have been doing well while bowling first, so we are going with that 
strategy. As a bowling unit we have been doing well. We have to bat really 
well in this match," he further said, adding that they would carry the 
winning mentality to seal the final.

"Before the tournament, we had just decided we'd go out and play for the 
championship, and we'll carry the same mindset in this match."

Pakistan fielded an unchanged side that beat Sri Lanka in the previous game.

Its captain Salman Agha, however, said they wanted to bat first in this 
wicket and so they are happy with the outcome. 

"We wanted to bat first, so it's okay. Looks a good pitch. Scoreboard 
pressure is the key," he said. 

"We have defended well after scoring 150-plus. Beating Sri Lanka was always 
great. We want to play good cricket and execute our plans."

He further said: "It's always important playing any final. We want to focus 
on this game, want to win this game. We want to play good cricket. We are 
playing with the same side."

Line Ups: 

Bangladesh: Saif Hassan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Patwari, 
Jaker Ali Anik (w/c), Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin 
Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman.
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha(c), Hussain 
Talat, Mohammad Haris(w), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, 
Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.