Pakistan’s progress to the Super 4s in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 may seem promising, but it comes with a major concern - the form of their top-order batters, particularly Saim Ayub, who is facing a nightmare run with the bat.
On Wednesday (September 17), during Pakistan’s group-stage clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai, Ayub was dismissed for a two-ball duck. This marked his third consecutive duck in this tournament. The left-handed opener has now registered five ducks in T20Is in 2025.
Saim Ayub Matches Samson’s Unwanted T20I Record
The star batter has also equalled Sanju Samson’s unwanted record for the most ducks in a calendar year. Samson had a similarly forgettable year in 2024, failing to score in five out of 13 T20Is.
Ayub’s poor run began on September 12 when Pakistan faced Oman, where he was dismissed for a golden duck. Things only worsened in the next game on September 14 against arch-rivals India, where he again fell to a golden duck. The latest failure against the UAE makes it three back-to-back ducks in the Asia Cup alone.
Most Ducks For A Player In T20Is In A Calendar Year
Ayub is now the only Pakistani batter to register three consecutive ducks in a single Asia Cup edition and just the second overall, behind Abdullah Shafique.
What’s Next For Saim Ayub In Asia Cup?
With Pakistan entering the Super 4s, the pressure will only intensify on him. While Ayub's inability handle pressure in big tournaments have been exposed clearly and this may prompt selectors to reconsider his role in the team.
Pakistan’s top order has been fragile in this Asia Cup, and Ayub’s continuous dip in form could cost the team dearly in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s.
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Saim Ayub Joins Sanju Samson (Source: AFP)
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