India have tightened their grip in the high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 clash as Axar Patel provided the third breakthrough, dismissing Fakhar Zaman just when Pakistan were looking to rebuild.
Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan lost openers Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris cheaply to Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. Fakhar Zaman, however, tried to counterattack with three boundaries in his 15-ball stay.
But his aggressive intent cost him dearly. Dancing down the track against Axar Patel, he attempted to clear the field but ended up mistiming his shot. Tilak Varma made no mistake, taking a sharp catch to dismiss Zaman for 17.
At the end of 7.5 overs, Pakistan are struggling at 45/3, with captain Salman Agha yet to open his account and Sahibzada Farhan holding one end.
The Indian bowlers, led by Pandya, Bumrah, and now Axar, have kept Pakistan under pressure, ensuring there is no easy release for their batters.
