It was a bittersweet evening for Sanju Samson in Dubai as India booked their place in the Asia Cup 2025 final with a clinical 41-run win over Bangladesh on Wednesday. While the Men in Blue continued their unbeaten run, Samson endured a night he would rather forget — not getting a chance to bat and then putting down a catch in the deep.
The dropped catch came during Bangladesh’s chase in the 16th over. Varun Chakaravarthy, who was in the middle of a fine spell, forced Saif Hassan into a miscued slog-sweep. Samson, stationed at mid-wicket, dived forward desperately and even got his gloves to the ball. But in a heartbreaking moment, it slipped away, adding to the frustration of the wicketkeeper-batter. It was the second drop in that over, further summing up Samson’s forgettable outing.
Fortunately for India, the miss didn’t alter the outcome. Bangladesh folded for 127 in 19.3 overs, never really threatening the 169-run target set by India.
India’s Batting Effort Led by Abhishek Sharma
Earlier in the day, Suryakumar Yadav’s men opted to bat first and posted 168/6 in 20 overs. The highlight of the innings was Abhishek Sharma’s fiery knock of 75 off just 37 deliveries, which included six boundaries and five towering sixes. His attacking approach set the tone early on.
Shubman Gill supported with a steady 29, while Hardik Pandya added a brisk 38, ensuring India had a strong platform despite losing momentum in the middle overs. Bangladesh’s bowlers, especially Rishad Hossain (2/27) and Mustafizur Rahman (1/31), tried to apply brakes, but the damage had already been done by India’s top order.
Clinical Bowling Display Seals the Win
India’s bowling unit once again showcased its depth and discipline. Jasprit Bumrah (2/18) provided early breakthroughs with his fiery pace and precision, while Kuldeep Yadav (3/18) dismantled the middle order with his guile. Varun Chakaravarthy (2/29) kept the batters guessing, and Axar Patel chipped in with a wicket.
The surprise package came in the form of Tilak Varma, who rolled his arm over and struck in his very first over, finishing with figures of 1/1 in just three balls.
Bangladesh’s chase never took flight. Apart from opener Saif Hassan’s resilient 69 off 51, no other batter stood tall. Without partnerships, the target was always out of reach.
A Forgettable Outing for Sanju Samson
For Sanju Samson, the evening was one of those rare tough days in cricket. He remained padded up as India’s top and middle order took charge with the bat. On the field, his only major moment turned sour with the dropped catch. While India’s win ensured the missed chance had no bearing on the result, Samson will know he needs to stay sharp with bigger battles ahead.
With the Asia Cup 2025 final now awaiting, Samson and the team will be keen to put up an even stronger performance in pursuit of the trophy.
Watch: Sanju Samson’s Tough Moment vs Bangladesh
India have dropped 14 catches in #AsiaCup2025 so far. This is absolutely unacceptable becaz we've set very high standards for ourselves. We have dropped more catches than we have caught.
— Avneesh Mishra (@RajaMishra007) September 24, 2025
Catches win matches & dropped catches snatch wins away. #INDvsBAN pic.twitter.com/SRlAnfVq54
