Saim Ayub’s nightmare run within the Asia Cup 2025 confirmed no indicators of ending as he bagged one more duck. The Pakistan opener fell cheaply towards UAE in Dubai, persevering with his poor type. This was his third consecutive duck within the match as he was dismissed for duck in his earlier two video games towards India and man respectively. Pakistan’s hopes of a flying begin as soon as once more took an early blow.
Saim Ayub registers his third consecutive duck in Asia Cup 2025
On fifth ball of first over, Junaid Siddique got here in from over the wicket and bowled a brief, vast supply outdoors off, tempting Ayub right into a dangerous shot. The left-hander, identified for his attacking intent, went fishing at it, trying to smash the ball over the fielder at deep third. As an alternative of getting on high of the bounce, he slashed arduous, however the connection was removed from convincing. The ball got here off the bat flat and with out the elevation required to clear the boundary. It travelled shortly however remained at chest top, giving the fielder a simple likelihood. Muhammad Rohid at deep third tracked the ball early, judged its trajectory, and moved into place with composure. He set himself completely beneath the ball and accomplished the catch cleanly with none panic.
Saim stood in disbelief, realising he had thrown away one more alternative on the high of the order. This dismissal meant his third consecutive duck within the Asia Cup 2025, equalling the joint-second most geese in T20 internationals. Pakistan, already beneath stress chasing runs, misplaced their opener throughout the first over, leaving them in early hassle. The dearth of runs from Saim has now change into a serious speaking level, with critics questioning his temperament towards the brand new ball. For Junaid Siddique, it was an ideal setup, drawing the batter right into a false stroke with sensible size and width. The dismissal introduced loud cheers from the UAE gamers, sensing an enormous second within the contest. As Ayub walked again for a two-ball duck, Pakistan’s innings was jolted very early, whereas Saim’s struggles continued to mount.
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Pakistan battle as UAE bowlers dominate in Dubai
Pakistan’s batting innings by no means fairly clicked of their must-win Asia Cup 2025 conflict towards the UAE in Dubai. After electing to bowl first, UAE struck early, eradicating Saim Ayub for his third consecutive duck within the match. Siddique delivered a superb spell, ending with 4/18, dismantling Pakistan’s fragile high and center order. Fakhar Zaman was the lone brilliant spot, taking part in a counterattacking 50 off 36 balls with two fours and three sixes. Captain Salman Agha added a scratchy 20 earlier than falling, whereas the remainder of the batting lineup collapsed round them. Pakistan slipped from 70/2 to 93/6 within the area of 5 overs, exposing their inconsistency as soon as once more. A late cameo from Shaheen Afridi (29 off 14 balls) offered some much-needed momentum, lifting the rating previous 140. Simranjeet Singh supported effectively with 3/26, retaining the stress on all through. Finally, Pakistan managed simply 146/9 of their 20 overs at a run fee of seven.30. The goal is inside attain, however a lot depends upon whether or not UAE’s batting lineup can stand up to Pakistan’s potent bowling assault beneath lights.
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