Dhaka, Sept. 26 -- For a while, it felt like Bangladesh were about to write a different story.

Pakistan had been reduced to 49 for 5, the Dubai stands were roaring with red-and-green flags, and a fourth Asia Cup final seemed within reach.

By the end of the night, the noise had gone quiet. Pakistan scraped to 135 for 8, and Bangladesh, chasing a modest 169, folded for 124, losing by 11 runs.

It was not the target that beat them so much as the manner of the chase. Parvez Hossain lasted two balls. Towhid Hridoy scratched to 5 off 10. Mahedi Hasan and Nurul Hasan never shifted gears. Even stand-in captain Jaker Ali, spoken as a power hitter and trusted with finisher's role, managed only 5 off nine balls before nicking off.

Across six game...