Pakistan‘s campaign in the Asia Cup 2025 got off to a dramatic start as young opener Saim Ayub fell for a golden duck against Oman in Dubai. The dismissal, which came on just the second ball of the innings, left fans stunned and Pakistan immediately under pressure. Shah Faisal delivered the big breakthrough for Oman, setting the tone for an exciting Group A contest.
Shah Faisal sends shockwaves to Pakistan by removing Saim Ayub for a golden duck
Opting to bat first in the crucial group-stage encounter, Pakistan expected their opening pair to provide a strong start. However, the plan was disrupted almost instantly. Facing left-arm pacer Faisal, Ayub crouched low and attempted a risky slog across the line to a full and straight delivery. The bat completely missed the ball, and Ayub was struck on the back pad.
The on-field umpire wasted no time raising his finger. The impact was directly in front of the stumps, making it one of the most straightforward leg-before-wicket decisions possible.
Despite the clarity of the decision, Ayub went for the Decision Review System (DRS). The move surprised many, including commentators, as replays confirmed the ball would have hit the middle of the stumps without deviation. The review was swiftly wasted, costing Pakistan an early challenge in the innings.
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Faisal’s dream start puts Pakistan under pressure
For Faisal, it was a dream beginning. Delivering a crucial breakthrough with his second ball, he gave Oman the confidence that they could trouble a higher-ranked opponent like Pakistan. His perfect length and control forced Ayub into a rash stroke, proving once again that disciplined bowling pays off in T20 cricket.
Faisal’s celebration after the dismissal highlighted the significance of the wicket for Oman. Removing a key batter like Ayub early on gave his side a psychological edge in the contest. His dismissal added to Pakistan’s woes, as their batting lineup entered the game with expectations of dominating Oman. With senior stars like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan absent from the Asia Cup squad, the responsibility is now on emerging players such as Ayub to anchor the innings. His early dismissal raised questions about Pakistan’s batting depth and their ability to recover from setbacks.
The game, however, still had plenty left to unfold. With captain Salman Ali Agha and experienced campaigners like Fakhar Zaman in the mix, Pakistan will focus to regroup quickly.
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