India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025: India’s quest for the third wicket came to an end courtesy of a masterful piece of bowling from Axar Patel. Brought into the attack to carry on from where Kuldeep Yadav had left, Axar acted very quickly. Fakhar Zaman, who had been trying to cut loose, chose to go aerial but missed the timing.
The throw was a smart one slanted away from the left-hander and rising marginally off the deck. Fakhar attempted the shot with commitment, trying straight down the ground, but found himself slicing it high into the air. The catch was well-taken, and India got their big breakthrough at a pivotal moment.
India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025: Fakhar’s Innings Cut Short
Fakhar Zaman’s removal for 17 off 14 balls has punctured Pakistan’s dreams of a good powerplay total. He had been in reasonable form with three straight boundaries but was dismissed just as Sahibzada Farhan was about to start a partnership. His fall left Pakistan reeling at 45/3 in 7.2 overs, the run rate easing under spin pressure.
India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025: India Seize Momentum
Axar’s heroics mean India have reduced Pakistan’s star three to rubble within the first eight overs, a tremendous morale booster in this high-stakes Asia Cup 2025 encounter. The Indian spinners are now taking charge, and Rohit Sharma will surely not give up on spin from both sides to attempt to further tighten the Pakistan choke on their run-scoring.
With the middle order exposed, Pakistan will have to trust the likes of Farhan and captain Salman Agha to weather the pressure and rebuild. India, however, will be keen to push for additional wickets and get complete control in hand before the halfway stage.
