Saim Ayub's Duck vs India - (Source : @ScreenGrab)
On Sunday, September 14, India locked horns against Pakistan for their second match of Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium in UAE. The Men in Green won the toss and opted to bat first.
It was a win-win situation for India as Suryakumar Yadav, who is celebrating his 35th birthday, remarked that India would have looked to bowl as well. The decision turned out to be gold as Hardik Pandya opened the bowling for the Men in Blue and got rid of Saim Ayub on the first-legal delivery of the match.
Pandya-Bumrah Shatter Tanvir Ahmed's Prediction
The southpaw looked to direct the ball towards cover, but gave an easy catch to Jasprit Bumrah at point. The Pakistan batter was in shock as he registered his second consecutive golden duck in the tournament.
The Indian fans were elated after the dismissal, because a lot of trust was put in from Pakistan pundits before the match in Saim Ayub. Notably, Tanvir Ahmed, a former Pakistan seamer, who represented his nation from 2010-13 had remarked that Ayub would hit Bumrah for six-sixes.
"I think Saim Ayub will hit Bumrah for six sixes in this Asia Cup," Ahmed said during post-match show after Pakistan's match vs Oman, where Ayub had registered a duck.
However, the situation never arose as Pandya got rid of the youngster and it was quite poetic as Bumrah was the one who took the catch.
Saim Ayub Fails To Deliver On His Pre-Match Promise
During the pre-match press conference, Saim Ayub was asked about Jasprit Bumrah challenge, to which the southpaw cleverly avoided a direct answer.
“It would be challenging. When you’re playing, every bowler is a challenge. But it is all about coming out on top for the team and making them win, ” remarked Ayub during pre-match press conference.
Ayub is now at the helm of extreme criticism as he has joined an unwanted list of players with two consecutive golden ducks.
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