That's what makes the Abu Dhabi fixture one of those rare moments multi-nation tournaments produce. Two sides fighting for survival, while a third watches nervously from afar.

Pakistan’s victory over the UAE set up the blockbuster rematch with India, yet it was the off-field turbulence that defined the day.

On Wednesday, security guards at Abu Dhabi’s Park Rotana Hotel, where the Bangladesh players are residing, did not allow media lenses inside. While the touring journalists were wondering what to do, Nasum Ahmed, the Tigers savior from the night before against Afghanistan, appeared outside on the

Previous BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon had often come under scrutiny for indulging media questions regarding analysis of a match. While Nazmul is not there anymore as BCB boss, the media contingent has not lost their touch. Current BCB president Aminul Islam, who has more expertise given his work in coaching, had to provide an analysis of Bangladesh’s win over Afghanistan.

After some last minute negotiations between all stakeholders, the uncertainty over the Group A match between Pakistan and the UAE has seemingly cleared up as the Pakistan team has left the hotel and set off for the Dubai International Stadium for the tie, which is set to begin at 9:30 pm Bangladesh time, an hour later that the original schedule, announced the Asia Cricket Council. 

Fresh off his match-winning performance against Afghanistan, the left-arm spinner chose to leave Bangladesh’s qualification prospects to destiny rather than voice support for Sri Lanka.

For Bangladesh, the simplest scenario is a Sri Lanka win on Thursday.

After the nail-biting win against Afghanistan, the immediate joy quickly gave way to calculations for Bangladesh. A loss would have meant certain elimination; the win kept the Tigers’ hopes alive.

Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim had just appeared in the post-match press conference after playing a match-winning knock of 52 off 31 balls in the Tigers' narrow eight-run victory against Afghanistan in an Asia Cup Group B encounter in Abu Dhabi yesterday. When asked about the qualification scenario, he replied with a smile: "The game just ended. Haven’t looked yet, will have to check.”

Pakistan cancelled a pre-match press conference at the Asia Cup on Tuesday as the fallout rumbles on from a handshake row with arch-rivals India.

Bangladesh kept their hopes for Super Four qualification alive in the Asia Cup, beating Afghanistan by eight runs in their last Group B fixture. Nasum Ahmed was the architect of the win with the ball, closely followed by Rishad Hossain’s contribution in picking up wickets

Bangladesh and Afghanistan face off in a crucial Asia Cup match in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday (8.30pm, Bangladesh Time).

Following a disappointing display against Sri Lanka, where glaring shortcomings left the team under heavy criticism, Litton Das’s side looks set to ring in multiple changes in the playing eleven in their third and final group stage fixture.

The two teams may meet up to two more times in this edition, but if the performance gap continues, even political colouring may not sustain the all-too-familiar pre-match buzz in future tournaments.

Coming into the tournament, Liton Das and his side looked confident, showing signs of stability. Yet after a heavy defeat to Sri Lanka, the atmosphere has turned tense.

Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott believes his side will walk into their Asia Cup Group B clash against Bangladesh as “slight favourites.”

The India-Pakistan cricketing rivalry has always been a proxy war of sorts, a battle between bat and ball, which, in the hearts of fans, was a matter of national pride, where victory was an obligation and defeat unacceptable.

Tensions simmered after the match as India's players left the field without shaking hands.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar slammed India for not shaking hands with the Pakistan players after their Asia Cup 2025 Group A match in Dubai on Sunday.

Pakistan, in protest, refused to attend the post match ceremony as tensions flared in a match which was the first between the bitter rivals since May's military action.