Asia Cup 2014: Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 3 wickets in 8th Match: Photo

Shahid Khan Afridi says “he had license to fire vs Bangladesh”.

Pakistan pulled off a thrilling three-wicket victory over Bangladesh at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. With this victory Pakistan qualifies for the Asia Cup final. India completely knocked out of the title race. India was beaten by Pakistan by one wicket on Sunday.

Opener Ahmed Shehzad blasted a 123 on 103 balls to set the foundation for a record chase but it was Shahid Afridi's blistering 59 off 25 balls with 7 sixes which helped Pakistan set up a summit clash against Sri Lanka.

With this victory, Pakistan grabbed four points to aggregate 13 with the help of three victories in four matches. India, on the other hand, are currently with four points and even a win against Afghanistan on thusday wolud not Virat Kohli's men to reach the finals.

In first inning, Bangladesh feasted on a below bowling and fielding effort from Pakistan to pile up their highest-ever ODI total of 326 on three wickets.

Bangladeshi opener Anamul Haque build the foundation with a patient 100 off 132 balls with six fours and four sixes, it was their senior-most stars Mushfiqur Rahim (51 no, 33 balls) and Shakib al Hasan (44 no, 16 balls), who finished the innings with a smashing 77-run partnership in only 5.3 overs.

Opener Imrul Kayes (59 from 75 balls; 5x4, 2x6) who added 150 runs for the opening stand with Anamul and Mominul Haque (51 off 47 balls) also made useful contributions to prop up Bangladesh total.

Pakistani captain Misbah-ul-Haq (R) and teammates celebrate their victory after the eighth match of the Asia Cup.

Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi plays a shot during the eighth match of the Asia Cup.

Bangladesh wicketkeeper Anamul Haque (R) reacts after the dismissal of Pakistan batsman Ahmed Shehzad.

Bangladesh cricketer Anamul Haque reacts after scoring a century (100 runs) during the eighth match of the Asia Cup.

Bangladesh cricketer Shakib Al Hasan (R) reacts as a ball touches the stumps of Pakistan batsman Shahid Afridi (L) but the bails didnt fall off.

Pakistani captain Misbah-ul-Haq reacts as he walks back to the dressing room after losing his wicket during the eighth match of the Asia Cup.

Pakistani captain Misbah-ul-Haq reacts during the eighth match of the Asia Cup.