Pakistan’s strong start in the Asia Cup 2025 final took a dent as India struck twice in quick succession to push them on the back foot.
At 12.5 overs, Kuldeep Yadav provided India with a crucial breakthrough, dismissing Saim Ayub for 14. The left-hander attempted a cut shot but ended up slicing it to Jasprit Bumrah at backward point, who completed a sharp low catch. Ayub’s dismissal broke Pakistan’s momentum just as they looked to accelerate.
Just four balls later, Axar Patel delivered another decisive blow, removing Mohammad Haris for a duck. Haris tried an inside-out lofted drive, but poor placement saw him caught brilliantly by Rinku Singh.
From 84/1 in the 10th over, Pakistan quickly slipped to 114/3 in the 14th, leaving Fakhar Zaman as the key man to rebuild the innings alongside skipper Salman Agha.
India’s spinners have brought them right back into the contest after Pakistan’s aggressive start.
