India Maintain Unbeaten Streak to Secure Asia Cup Final Berth with Dominant Win Over Bangladesh
India clinched their Asia Cup final spot with a 41-run victory over Bangladesh, powered by Abhishek Sharma's explosive 75 and Kuldeep Yadav's 3-wicket haul. Sri Lanka eliminated as tournament enters decisive phase.


Match Summary
India 168-6 (20 overs)
🔥 Abhishek Sharma 75 (37) | 6×4, 5×6
⚡ Powerplay: 46/0 | Key Support: Hardik Pandya 38*(29)
🏏 Bangladesh Bowling: Rishad Hossain 2-27
Bangladesh 127 (19.3 overs)
🌟 Saif Hassan 69 (51) | Lone Warrior
🎯 India Bowling: Kuldeep Yadav 3-18, Bumrah & Chakravarthy 2 each
Turning Points
- Powerplay Onslaught: Sharma-Gill duo smashed 46 runs in first 6 overs, setting tournament's fastest opening partnership.
- Collapse & Recovery: India lost 3-17 after Sharma's run-out before Pandya's 14-ball 25* in death overs.
- Yadav's Web: Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep removed key middle-order batters in 15th over, crushing Bangladesh's chase momentum.
Tournament Implications
- India becomes first finalist with 4 consecutive wins
- NRR boost (+2.11) strengthens title defense prospects
- Sri Lanka eliminated; Pakistan vs Bangladesh becomes virtual semi-final
Statistical Spotlight
- Sharma's Record: 248 runs in 4 innings @ SR 178.41 – leads tournament batting charts
- Kuldeep's Milestone: 9 wickets @ 5.33 economy – best among spinners
- Bumrah's Precision: 15 dot balls in 3.5 overs during powerplay
Expert Analysis
"India's depth proved decisive," said former captain Sunil Gavaskar. "When Bangladesh threatened at 89-3, the champions switched gears through Yadav's variations and Pandya's clever slower balls. Sharma's fearless approach against left-arm spin – hitting 22 runs off Nasum Ahmed's over – set the template for modern T20 openers."
Upcoming Fixtures
- Virtual Semi-Final: Pakistan vs Bangladesh (28 Sept, Dubai)
- Final: India vs TBD (1 Oct, Colombo)
With inputs from BBC Sport's Elizabeth Botcherby at Dubai International Stadium